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Million Dollar Baked Ziti – Easy, Creamy, and Crowd-Pleasing

Million Dollar Baked Ziti casserole baked with cheese
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a rich and cheesy casserole layered with ziti pasta, savory marinara, and a decadent blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. A crowd-pleasing comfort food perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

5. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.

6. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and a portion of the Parmesan until smooth.

7. Grease a baking dish and layer half of the cooked ziti on the bottom.

8. Top with half of the meat sauce and spoon dollops of the cheese mixture over it.

9. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.

10. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

11. Remove the foil, sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese, and bake uncovered for 15–20 more minutes, until bubbly and golden.

12. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute the meat with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a lighter or vegetarian version.

Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra vegetables.

Great for making ahead and reheating — leftovers taste even better!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti/