Million Dollar Baked Ziti
A creamy and cheesy baked ziti dish that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Pasta & Sauce
- 12 ounces ziti pasta You can substitute with any pasta shape.
- 3 cups marinara sauce Well-seasoned preferred.
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
Dairy
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese Preferably whole milk.
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided For topping.
Spices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Cooking
- Add ground beef or sausage. Break it up and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer to blend flavors.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Assembly & Baking
- Grease a baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, spread half the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese, and add half the sauce. Repeat these layers.
- Finish with a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
You can add veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrients. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate for convenience.