Go Back

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A creamy, cheesy, and satisfying baked pasta dish that is perfect for cozy nights in.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta Cook until al dente
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Use your preference
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided Reserve half for topping
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Reserve half for topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
  3. Add ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned, then stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, simmering to blend flavors.
  4. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Assembly and Baking
  1. Grease a baking dish and layer half the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture, half the mozzarella cheese, and half the sauce. Repeat layers.
  2. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  3. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and browned.
  4. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, cook pasta slightly underdone as it will continue to cook in the oven. Try mixing up the cheeses or adding veggies for a twist.