A decadent, mouthwatering baked spaghetti dish that never fails to impress a gathering.

Million Dollar Ravioli, Million Dollar Spaghetti, etc., get their rich, creamy texture from a secret ingredient: cream cheese. The Million Dollar Baked Ziti is exactly what I’m talking about. It’s got all the great things that baked ziti is known for, plus a deliciously creamy coating that’s hard to resist. as an added bonus? It’s just as simple to whip up as the classic.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an incredibly tasty and simple pasta meal. This warm and satisfying casserole is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party because to its abundance of savory ingredients. Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a versatile recipe that can be made for a crowd or enjoyed on a quiet weeknight.

Just what is “Million Dollar Baked Ziti”?

One of the most iconic Italian-American dishes is called Million Dollar Baked Ziti, and it consists of ziti pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese. Million Dollar derives from the recipe’s opulent and decadent components. Million Dollar Spaghetti is another name for this baked ziti dish.

INGREDIENTS

Mix 1 pound of ziti with 1 pound of mild Italian sausage.
the equivalent of four minced garlic cloves
Oregano, dried, 2 tablespoons
A Measurement of Dried Basil Equivalent to One Teaspoon
Can of tomato sauce, 28 ounces
A single (14.5 ounce) can of chopped tomatoes
a single teaspoon of white sugar
Ingredients: 8 ounces melted cream cheese 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
Around 16 ounces of cottage cheese.
The equivalent of a half a cup of sour cream
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups Freshly grated and portioned Parmesan cheese
Two cups of mozzarella cheese, cut into 1/4-inch pieces and divvied
Chopped fresh basil from the plant
Black pepper and kosher salt, to taste

Instructions:

In a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, spray nonstick cooking spray and preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Putting aside.

Pasta should be cooked in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than the time recommended on the package. Drain, then add a light coating of olive oil to keep things from sticking together. Putting aside.

Around 5 minutes are needed to cook the sausage over medium heat in a big skillet until it is no longer pink. Whenever possible, fat should be drained.

After approximately a minute, or until the garlic becomes aromatic, add it to the pan. Season with salt and pepper and add oregano and basil.

Incorporate diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Turn heat down to medium and continue cooking until bubbles form in the mixture. Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat and add the sugar and the fresh basil. Put aside for the time being.

Cream cheese should be beaten until it’s smooth in a big bowl. Mix in the eggs, cottage cheese, and sour cream.

Blend in half a cup of Parmesan and half a cup of mozzarella.

Drain the pasta and add it to the cottage cheese mixture along with 1 cup of the red sauce. Move to the dish you’ll be using for baking.

Spread the remaining red sauce over top and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.

Use nonstick spray to coat a sheet of aluminum foil, then use it to cover the casserole. Put in oven and set timer for 25 minutes. Bake uncovered for a further 25 minutes. If you want the cheese to be even browner, you can broil it for a minute or two.

Wait 10 minutes before serving. Add some chopped basil and it’s ready to eat!

May I put my own spin on a Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! While you only need five basic ingredients to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti, you are free to get creative with it. Vegetables like onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms can be added to the meat sauce mixture, for instance, to boost both flavor and nutritional value. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef or Italian sausage if you want. Oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes are just some of the spices and herbs that would go well with the meat sauce if you’re feeling daring.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a simple pasta meal that tastes like a million bucks. A hearty and warm casserole may be prepared with just five ingredients and a few easy steps. If you’re looking for a comfort food that will please the whole family or just make you feel good, go no further than this baked ziti. Try it out and eat like a millionaire without spending like a million dollars!

To clarify, what is Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Ziti pasta, ground beef, tomato sauce, and three kinds of cheese come together to form the rich and creamy Million Dollar Baked Ziti.

How come it’s named Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Its extravagant and decadent flavors, which are worthy of the appellation “Million Dollar,” are presumably where the name derives from.

How far in advance can I create Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Answer: Yes, Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If the dish is chilly when you put it in the oven, you may need to bake it for a little longer.

Could I substitute another kind of pasta?

You can substitute any kind of pasta you choose for the one called for in this recipe. You may use any kind of pasta you like, from penne to rigatoni to spaghetti.

Can I use any kind of meat except ground beef?

You can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of the ground beef. Another option is to make a vegetarian version of the dish by leaving out the meat entirely.

Can Million Dollar Baked Ziti be frozen?

Yes, Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be frozen either before or after cooking. Before baking, if you want to freeze the dish for later use, simply build it as directed and wrap it carefully in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Just defrost in the freezer before baking as indicated, and if necessary, bake for an additional few minutes. Freezing baked goods requires allowing them to cool completely before being wrapped snugly in plastic and aluminum foil. To reheat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight, then finish cooking in the oven.

Can I substitute another cheese for the one called for here?

The answer is a resounding “Yes!” because any cheese you choose can be substituted here. You can’t go wrong with cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack.

How about some Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Although a serving of Million Dollar Baked Ziti can easily satisfy a person’s hunger, it can also be supplemented with a side salad or some garlic bread for a more balanced meal.