Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish that promises to elevate any meal. With layers of ziti, savory marinara sauce, and a luxurious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress with every cheesy bite. This dish not only delivers on flavor but also offers versatility; you can easily customize it with your favorite meats or veggies. Get ready to indulge in a hearty meal that brings warmth and joy to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef or sausage; drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta with half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan until creamy.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce and dollops of the 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: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the casserole (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg