Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and comforting pasta casserole featuring layers of al dente ziti pasta, savory browned ground beef or Italian sausage, hearty marinara sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. This baked dish combines Italian-inspired flavors that are perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz ziti pasta
Meat and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk), divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and cook pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the ziti pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce along with the Italian seasoning into the cooked meat mixture. Simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cheeses: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and some of the grated Parmesan. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a baking dish lightly. Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta on the bottom, then spread the meat sauce over the pasta. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheese mixture on top. Repeat the layering with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to heat through evenly.
- Bake uncovered and serve: Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving for easier slicing.
Notes
- Use whole milk ricotta and mozzarella for creamier results.
- Italian sausage adds extra flavor; substitute with ground beef if preferred.
- Simmering the sauce allows the garlic and seasoning to infuse well.
- Covering the dish during the first half of baking keeps the pasta moist.
- Letting the baked ziti rest after baking helps it set for cleaner servings.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a fresh touch.
