Go Back

Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti combines layers of creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and melty mozzarella cheese for a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It's rich, cheesy, and sure to impress everyone at the table!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 People
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 wooden spoon
  • 1 aluminum foil
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use half for the ricotta mixture and half for topping.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Divided for layering.
  • 2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper To taste.
  • Fresh basil or parsley For garnish (optional).

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
  • Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture, simmer for about 5 minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and season with a little salt and pepper.
  • In the baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom, then layer half of the cooked ziti on top.
  • Add dollops of the ricotta mixture over the ziti, followed by one cup of shredded mozzarella.
  • Repeat the layers – the remaining meat sauce, the rest of the ziti, and the remaining ricotta mixture. Top with the leftover mozzarella and remaining Parmesan cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil or parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can sauté some chopped onions and bell peppers with the meat before adding the marinara sauce.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with sautéed vegetables or mushrooms.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.