Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Introduction

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a hearty, comforting pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat, rich cheeses, and flavorful marinara, this dish satisfies every craving for Italian comfort food.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce (well-seasoned)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Step 4: Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer the sauce with the meat for about 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Remove from heat.
5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
6. Step 6: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, then dollop and spread half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella over the ricotta layer. Repeat the layering with the remaining meat sauce, ziti, ricotta mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Step 8: Finish by sprinkling the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil.
9. Step 9: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Step 10: Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use a high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for a fresher taste.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, stir a little heavy cream into the ricotta mixture.
• Try using a mix of Italian sausage and ground beef for a richer meat sauce.

Storage

Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare baked ziti in advance?

Yes, you can assemble baked ziti a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.

What pasta can I use instead of ziti?

Penne, rigatoni, or any tube-shaped pasta works well as a substitute for ziti in this recipe.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 82 reviews

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich, comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta baked with a flavorful meat marinara sauce, creamy ricotta mixture, and plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This classic recipe combines layers of cheesy goodness with a hearty blend of ground beef and Italian sausage for a meal that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces ziti pasta

Sauce and Meat

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cups marinara sauce (well-seasoned)
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Cheese Mixture

• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Finishing Cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until just al dente according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Stir in the Italian seasoning and marinara sauce. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
3. Make the Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce. Then fold in the ricotta cheese mixture to evenly incorporate all components.
5. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the ziti and sauce mixture into the dish. Sprinkle one cup of shredded mozzarella and half of the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the layer. Add the remaining ziti mixture on top, and then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the final layer.
6. Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set. Spoon onto plates and enjoy the rich, cheesy comfort of this classic bake.

Notes

• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.
• Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture but reduce the quantity due to higher moisture content.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain moisture.

Keywords: baked ziti, Italian casserole, cheesy pasta bake, ground beef pasta, comfort food, ricotta cheese casserole, Italian-American recipe