Million Dollar Baked Ziti
A comforting and cheesy baked ziti recipe, packed with flavor and perfect for family gatherings or potlucks. This dish combines savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella in a delightful layering of flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based sausage.
Sauces and Cheeses
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Fresh basil for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Layering and Baking
- In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the ricotta mixture.
- Repeat the layering process, finishing with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Garnishing and Serving
- Optionally, garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, load the dish with sautéed veggies instead of meat. Make a spicy version by adding crushed red pepper flakes.