Million Dollar Baked Ziti – Welcome to a culinary journey filled with flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more! Our Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is a true gem that combines the richness of Italian sausage, the creaminess of multiple cheeses, and the tangy sweetness of tomato sauce. With layers of deliciousness, this dish is a guaranteed hit for family gatherings, cozy nights in, or any occasion that calls for comfort food with a touch of elegance. Get ready to dive into a world of cheesy goodness and savor each delectable bite!
Picture this: a bustling kitchen, filled with laughter and the enticing aroma of bubbling ziti. It’s a Sunday evening, and the family is gathered around the table eagerly awaiting their favorite dish. As I take the Million Dollar Baked Ziti out of the oven, the golden cheese melts perfectly, creating a tantalizing sight. The first forkful sends a burst of flavors to my husband’s taste buds, and he can’t help but exclaim, “This is the best ziti I’ve ever had!” From that day on, this recipe has become a beloved staple in our household, bringing joy and contentment to our dinner table. Now, let’s uncover the magic behind this exceptional dish!
Why This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Will Steal Your Heart?
- Cheesy Heaven: Indulge in layers of gooey, melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses that envelop each bite of ziti, creating a heavenly experience for your taste buds.
- Italian Sausage Bliss: The addition of mild Italian sausage infuses the dish with savory, rich flavors that perfectly complement the creamy cheeses and tangy tomato sauce.
- Perfect Harmony of Seasonings: Aromatic garlic, dried oregano, and basil work in harmony to elevate the taste profile, adding depth and authenticity to this classic Italian recipe.
- Creamy Dreamy Filling: A velvety blend of cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream creates a luscious filling that binds the pasta together, making every mouthful irresistibly creamy.
- Simmered Tomato Sauce: The homemade tomato sauce, simmered to perfection with diced tomatoes and aromatic herbs, provides a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes, elevating the overall flavor of the dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. (454g) ziti
- 1 lb. (454g) mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (28 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (8g) fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz. (227g) cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz. (454g) cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (135g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 2 cups (226g) mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4-inch cubes and divided
- Fresh basil, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain the pasta and drizzle it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture come to a bubble. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar and fresh basil. Set the sauce aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth. Add the eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream, and mix until well combined. Stir in 1 cup (90g) of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup (113g) of the chopped mozzarella.
Add 1 cup (237ml) of the red sauce and the drained pasta to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Top the pasta mixture with the remaining red sauce, followed by the remaining 1 cup (113g) of chopped mozzarella and 1/2 cup (45g) of grated Parmesan cheese.
Cover the casserole with a sheet of aluminum foil that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake it for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. If desired, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
Allow the baked ziti to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle it with freshly chopped basil for a vibrant finish. It’s time to gather your loved ones around the table and dive into a plate of pure comfort and satisfaction!
Notes:
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based alternative or add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses or a combination of cheeses to suit your preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
There you have it, a magnificent journey through the irresistible flavors and textures of our Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This recipe is a true testament to the power of comfort food, bringing together the richness of Italian sausage, the creaminess of cheeses, and the heartiness of perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a dish that will make your taste buds dance with joy and leave you yearning for more.
Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or hosting a gathering, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is sure to impress. The layers of cheesy goodness, the savory Italian sausage, and the homemade tomato sauce come together to create a symphony of flavors that will make every bite a memorable one.
So, don’t wait any longer! Take the leap into cheesy paradise and experience the magic of this extraordinary recipe. Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and let the aroma fill your kitchen. As you take your first forkful, savor the harmonious blend of flavors, the creaminess, and the warmth that this dish brings.
From our family to yours, we hope this Million Dollar Baked Ziti becomes a cherished recipe in your household, just as it has in ours. May it bring you comfort, joy, and moments of shared laughter and love around the table. Enjoy every bite and create memories that will last a lifetime. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the Million Dollar Baked Ziti?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven until warmed through.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Certainly! While the recipe calls for ziti, you can swap it with penne, rigatoni, or any other tubular pasta shape that holds the sauce well. The cooking time may vary slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! The Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be prepared in advance to save time. You can assemble the dish up until step 9, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, simply remove it from the refrigerator, remove the covering, and follow the baking instructions as stated in the recipe.
Can I substitute the cottage cheese with ricotta cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cottage cheese with an equal amount of ricotta cheese if you prefer. It will give the dish a slightly different texture and flavor, but it will still be delicious. Feel free to experiment and find what works best for your taste!
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 454g ziti
- 1 lb. 454g mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 8g fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz. 227g cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz. 454g cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup 120g sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups 135g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 2 cups 226g mozzarella cheese, chopped into 1/4-inch cubes and divided
- Fresh basil chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti for 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. Drain the pasta and drizzle it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until it is no longer pink, approximately 5 minutes. If necessary, drain any excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Lower the heat to medium and let the mixture come to a bubble. Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow it to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar and fresh basil. Set the sauce aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth. Add the eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream, and mix until well combined. Stir in 1 cup (90g) of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup (113g) of the chopped mozzarella.
- Add 1 cup (237ml) of the red sauce and the drained pasta to the cottage cheese mixture. Stir until well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top the pasta mixture with the remaining red sauce, followed by the remaining 1 cup (113g) of chopped mozzarella and 1/2 cup (45g) of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the casserole with a sheet of aluminum foil that has been sprayed with nonstick spray. Bake it for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes. If desired, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping.
- Allow the baked ziti to sit for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle it with freshly chopped basil for a vibrant finish. It's time to gather your loved ones around the table and dive into a plate of pure comfort and satisfaction!
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