Million Dollar Baked Ziti
A cheesy, creamy, and comforting baked pasta casserole made with ziti, savory meat sauce, and layers of rich cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holidays, or family gatherings.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking dish
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
- 15 oz ricotta cheese whole milk
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded, whole milk
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
- Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to the meat and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with 1 cup of mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese until creamy.
- Layer half the ziti in the baking dish, followed by half the meat sauce, then dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat with the remaining ziti, sauce, and ricotta mixture.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Let the baked ziti cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
For added flavor, try mixing spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the layers. For a spicier version, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes. Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3–5 days or can be frozen up to 3 months.