Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Looking for a hearty snack option that’s sure to impress? This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is your answer! With layers of gooey cheese, rich meat sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare.

This baked ziti is more than just a meal; it’s a comfort food classic that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Imagine diving into a warm, cheesy casserole that melts in your mouth—it’s pure joy in every bite!

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good and satisfied, turning any gathering into a feast.

The Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring layers of ziti pasta, savory ground beef, rich marinara sauce, and an abundance of melted mozzarella and ricotta cheese. It’s baked to perfection, resulting in a bubbly, golden top that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare Meat Sauce: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for a few minutes.
4. Mix Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble: In a large baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, dollops of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
6. Top with Cheese: Finish with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: 480kcal
• Fat: 24g
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 38g