Million Dollar Baked Ziti
A comforting, hearty dish featuring perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 3 cups marinara sauce (well-seasoned)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese Mixture
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer to blend flavors.
Cheese Mixture
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Layering and Baking
- Grease a baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, spread half the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese, and add half the sauce.
- Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more vegetables or use lentils.