Million Dollar Baked Ziti – Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that will have you coming back for more. This mouthwatering pasta dish is loaded with flavorful Italian sausage, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy, cheesy goodness. With just the right amount of spices and a touch of sweetness, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for your next dinner party, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is sure to impress.
Every time I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti, my husband can’t help but gush about how much he loves it. It has become a staple in our household and I’ve even started making it for special occasions because it’s always such a hit. One time, we had a family gathering and I made a huge batch of it, thinking it would last us for a couple of days. But to my surprise, everyone loved it so much that it was gone within hours! It’s safe to say that this recipe truly lives up to its name.
Why This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe Will Blow Your Mind?
- The combination of Italian sausage and creamy, cheesy goodness will have your taste buds singing.
- The addition of diced tomatoes and fresh basil give the sauce a bright, fresh flavor.
- The recipe is easy to follow and comes together in just over an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- With its impressive presentation and delicious taste, it’s perfect for entertaining guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. (454 g) ziti
- 1 lb. (454 g) mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 (28 oz.) can (794 g) tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz.) can (411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 g) fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz. (227 g) cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz. (454 g) cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 2 cups (200 g) 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 and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions call for. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the mild Italian sausage over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink, which should take about 5 minutes. Drain the fat, if needed.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Then, add dried oregano, dried basil, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the mixture bubbles. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in in granulated sugar and fresh basil. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream, and mix until well combined.
Stir in 1 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan and 1 cup of the chopped mozzarella.
Add 1 cup of the red sauce and the drained pasta to the cottage cheese mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
Top with remaining red sauce, followed by the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray and cover the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 25 minutes more. If desired, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese further.
Let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped fresh basil and enjoy!
Notes:
- This recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and heat in the oven when ready to serve.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- You can substitute ricotta cheese for cottage cheese if you prefer.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the answer. This recipe is easy to prepare and is made with simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. The combination of Italian sausage, tomato sauce, and creamy cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe can be assembled up to 3 days ahead of time and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese if you prefer.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, leftovers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I use hot Italian sausage instead of mild?
Yes, if you prefer a spicier dish, you can use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
How long can leftovers be stored in the fridge?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients
- 1 lb. 454 g ziti
- 1 lb. 454 g mild Italian sausage
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 28 oz. can (794 g) tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz. can (411 g) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 120 g fresh basil, chopped
- 8 oz. 227 g cream cheese, softened
- 16 oz. 454 g cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup 120 g sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups 150 g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated and divided
- 2 cups 200 g 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 and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook the ziti in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the package instructions call for. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the mild Italian sausage over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink, which should take about 5 minutes. Drain the fat, if needed.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, which should take about 1 minute. Then, add dried oregano, dried basil, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Stir in tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Lower the heat to medium and cook until the mixture bubbles. Reduce heat to medium-low and let simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in in granulated sugar and fresh basil. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream, and mix until well combined.
- Stir in 1 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan and 1 cup of the chopped mozzarella.
- Add 1 cup of the red sauce and the drained pasta to the cottage cheese mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining red sauce, followed by the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
- Spray a sheet of aluminum foil with nonstick spray and cover the casserole. Bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 25 minutes more. If desired, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to brown the cheese further.
- Let the baked ziti sit for 10 minutes before serving. Top with chopped fresh basil and enjoy!
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