Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food, combining layers of tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy blend of cheeses that bake to bubbly perfection. This dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion—from cozy weeknights to celebratory dinners. Each bite delivers indulgence, balanced flavor, and hearty satisfaction.
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
3 cups marinara sauce
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 large egg
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Boil ziti in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, ricotta, egg, 1/4 cup parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.
6. In a 13×9” baking dish, layer 1/3 of the meat sauce, then half of the cooked pasta.
7. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
8. Add another 1/3 of the meat sauce and sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella on top.
9. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheese mixture, sauce, and top with mozzarella and remaining parmesan.
10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
12. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the ziti rest after baking to help it set and slice cleanly.
Use full-fat cheeses for the richest texture and flavor.
Freeze before baking for an easy make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg