Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With layers of ziti, savory marinara, and a rich blend of cheeses, this casserole brings warmth and comfort to your table. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Get ready to impress with every cheesy bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain fat, then add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan until creamy.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half the ziti, followed by meat sauce and dollops of cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- 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: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg