Million Dollar Baked Ziti lives up to its name, rich, creamy, and outrageously satisfying. It combines tender pasta, flavorful meat sauce, and a luscious ricotta-cheese blend, all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a cozy family dinner, this is the kind of meal that disappears fast and gets rave reviews every time.
Ingredients
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 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 oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti in salted boiling water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown the beef or sausage over medium heat. Drain excess fat, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta with half the mozzarella and some Parmesan until smooth.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by meat sauce and cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
How to Serve It
Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve with a crisp green salad or garlic bread. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds color and freshness. Pair with red wine or iced tea.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a well-sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave with a splash of sauce if needed.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Mix in cream cheese with the ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the sauce for a veggie boost.
Variations
- Try different cheeses like provolone or fontina.
- Use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti.
- Make it meatless with extra veggies or plant-based crumbles.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep the entire dish and refrigerate it unbaked for up to a day. Bake just before serving.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely. Homemade adds even more flavor.
What goes well with baked ziti?
Serve with garlic bread, salad, or steamed veggies for a full meal.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Ingredients
Method
- 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 the ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain the 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 the meat sauce and dollops of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, top with the remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.