Million Dollar Baked Ziti
An indulgent comfort food dish that combines ziti pasta with rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 1 pound Ziti Pasta
- 1 pound Ground Beef or Italian Sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Sauce and Cheese
- 3 cups Zesty Marinara Sauce Use high-quality or homemade for best flavor.
- 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese
- 3 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 large Egg
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the zesty marinara sauce and let it simmer for about five minutes.
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
Assembly and Cooking
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti at the bottom, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers with remaining ziti, meat sauce, ricotta, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with a green salad and garlic bread. Consider adding fresh basil or parsley for garnish.