Print

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 84 reviews

A comforting baked pasta dish combining rich flavors and creamy textures, perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Boil the ziti pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat, then add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Prepare the cheese mixture by combining ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by the ricotta mixture, another layer of meat sauce, and the remaining ziti. Top with the rest of the meat sauce and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake covered with foil for 25 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Rest the dish for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pennykitchenz.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-comfort-food-delight/

Scroll to Top