Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate baked pasta dish packed with layers of rich, cheesy goodness, ground beef, and marinara sauce. Perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potlucks, this comforting recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Mix well.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the pasta, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, use Italian seasoning in the meat sauce.
- Substitute ziti with penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- Make ahead: Assemble the dish and refrigerate overnight, then bake when ready.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of the dish)
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
Find it online: https://katyrecipes.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-recipe/