Go Back
–+ servings
Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti: Ultimate Comfort in Every Bite

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting dish full of rich flavors from creamy cheese and savory marinara, perfect for family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Ziti Pasta Penne or rigatoni can also work well.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Italian Sausage Substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat if desired.
  • 1 small Onion, chopped Yellow or sweet onions work best.
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced Fresh garlic preferred.
  • 2 jars Marinara Sauce Choose low-sodium versions for healthier choice.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Mix in basil, oregano, and thyme if needed.
  • Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can be a lower-fat alternative.
  • 1 large Egg For vegan options, substitute with chia seeds mixed with water.
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese, shredded Use vegan cheese for lactose-free variations.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Nutritional yeast can give a similar cheesy flavor for vegan options.
  • Fresh Basil For garnish, optional.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat, then mix in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Blend until creamy.
  5. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the meat sauce, half of the cooked ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, and one cup of mozzarella. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Let the dish cool for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals! Assemble a day in advance and refrigerate.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!