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Best Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe - Rich & Delicious

Turn your everyday pasta into a restaurant-quality dish with this Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe! This crowd-pleasing comfort food is packed with layers of tender ziti pasta, a creamy cheese mixture, rich marinara meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. It’s a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for an indulgent, feel-good meal. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, this baked ziti truly tastes like a million bucks!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta and Sauce:
  • 1 pound ziti pasta or penne
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage or a mix of both
  • 1 jar 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese Mixture:
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Topping:
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley or basil optional, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Preheat Your Oven
  2. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
  3. Cook the Pasta
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  5. Prepare the Meat Sauce
  6. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef or sausage until browned, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
  7. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes.
  8. Make the Cheese Mixture
  9. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, egg, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  10. Layer the Ziti
Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Layer as follows:
  1. Half of the cooked ziti pasta
  2. Half of the cheese mixture, spread evenly
  3. Half of the remaining meat sauce
  4. Repeat with the rest of the pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
  5. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
  6. Bake the Ziti
  7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Cool and Serve
  9. Let the baked ziti rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freezing Instructions: Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Customize It: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a healthier twist.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a hint of heat.
  • Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and use extra vegetables or plant-based crumbles as a substitute.

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