Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and creamy pasta dish layered with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and ground beef or sausage. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this easy-to-make recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 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 large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and mix in marinara sauce.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, layer half the cooked pasta, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and cover with aluminum foil.
- Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with turkey or plant-based meat for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh basil.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of dish)
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
Find it online: https://sandrarecipes.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-recipe/