Description

Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of Million Dollar Baked Ziti—a dish that effortlessly transforms any gathering into a special occasion. This delightful casserole is made with layers of tender ziti pasta, savory marinara sauce, and a perfect blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this baked ziti recipe is sure to impress. Easy to prepare and even easier to customize, you can add your favorite vegetables or swap the meats to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead option that reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or potlucks. Discover why this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is bound to become a staple in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
24 oz marinara sauce
15 oz ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the ziti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until fully cooked; drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan until creamy.
In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti followed by half of the meat sauce and dollops of cheese mixture. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
Calories: 520
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 920mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg