Million Dollar Baked Ziti
A comforting and hearty baked ziti dish with layers of ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the ziti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain the fat, then add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan until the mixture is creamy.
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the ziti pasta, followed by the meat sauce and dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil, top with the remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
To keep your Million Dollar Baked Ziti fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, or freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Let the pasta cool completely before freezing. For a creamier texture, opt for whole milk cheeses. You can also add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.