Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is my go to when I want to make a cozy and crowd pleasing dinner that feels just a little over the top. Whenever the family smells it baking they come running to the kitchen and I always know I will not have leftovers for long. The combination of creamy ricotta and gooey melted mozzarella brings so much comfort packed alongside tender ziti noodles and a savory meat sauce that everyone loves.

One snowy Sunday I baked this for my neighbors just as a thank you for watering my plants. Now they drop hints for another invitation every time I see them. It has become a beloved tradition that never disappoints.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta: For sturdy texture that soaks up sauce. Choose quality bronze cut pasta for best bite.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: Creates a rich foundation. If you can, select meat from your local shop for extra flavor.
• Marinara sauce: For the tangy tomato base. Look for a brand with simple ingredients or make your own from ripe tomatoes.
• Ricotta cheese: For creamy layers. Whole milk ricotta has the richest texture.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Makes the top golden and bubbly. Freshly shredded from a block produces better melt.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds an umami punch. Get a wedge and grate right before use for boldest flavor.
• Italian seasoning: Rounds out the taste with herbal notes. Use a mix with oregano rosemary and basil.
• Fresh garlic: Brings the entire skillet to life. Pick plump firm cloves.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning. Taste as you go.

Instructions

Boil the Ziti:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Stir in your ziti and cook until just al dente about eight to ten minutes. Drain thoroughly so the sauce does not get watery and set aside.

Cook the Meat:

Heat your skillet over medium. Add the ground beef or sausage and break it into small bits as it browns. Keep turning it until no pink remains. Remove any extra fat from the pan so the sauce stays rich but not greasy. Add minced garlic and let it sizzle until aromatic about one minute.

Simmer the Sauce:

Add the marinara sauce straight to the skillet along with the Italian seasoning. Stir well and lower the heat so it bubbles gently. Let it simmer five minutes to meld the flavors.

Mix the Cheeses:

In a mixing bowl combine ricotta cheese with half the mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Stir gently until everything comes together creamy and fluffy. This blend brings that signature richness to every spoonful.

Layer the Ziti:

Preheat your oven to three seventy five degrees. Grease your baking dish well. Add half the ziti to the bottom in an even layer. Top with half the meat sauce and dot large spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over top. Repeat the ziti then the remaining sauce and cheese mixture for a generous stack.

Bake to Perfection:

Cover your dish snugly with foil so it stays moist and slide into the oven. Bake twenty five minutes. Lift off the foil sprinkle remaining mozzarella over the top and return to the oven uncovered until the cheese is browned and bubbling about fifteen to twenty minutes more.

Let It Rest and Serve:

Remove the baked ziti from the oven. Give it ten minutes to settle before scooping out portions so every piece holds together with cheesy goodness.

The Parmesan is my absolute favorite element in this baked ziti. There is something addictively nutty about it that reminds me of my grandmother who always finished pasta with an extra handful. When I make it for family dinners we all sneak tastes before it even makes it to the table because no one can resist that toasty cheese crust.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Keep leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for three to four days. The flavors deepen after a rest so every slice heats up beautifully in the microwave or oven. For best results add a splash of extra sauce or a small piece of foil during reheating to help preserve the moisture and creaminess.

Easy Ingredient Swaps

You can use penne or rigatoni instead of ziti if that is what you have on hand. Substitute cottage cheese for ricotta for a lighter texture. For vegetarians swap in lentils or sautéed mushrooms instead of beef or sausage.

Perfect Ways to Serve This

Serve this ziti alongside garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a full dinner. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top brings aromatic brightness right before serving. My crew loves it with a side of roasted broccoli for color and crunch.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comfort food classic that always wins. It remains a staple at my family table and in my freezer for good reason. Try it once and I think you will end up passing the tradition on and making it your own.

Recipe Q&A

→ What proteins work best for this dish?

Ground beef or Italian sausage both deliver rich flavor. Mixing the two can add depth to the dish.

→ How can I prevent the ziti from becoming soggy?

Cook the pasta until just al dente and avoid over-saucing the layers before baking.

→ What kind of cheese provides the best texture?

Whole milk ricotta and mozzarella melt smoothly and impart a creamy, cohesive layer throughout.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, assemble everything ahead, refrigerate, and simply bake when ready to serve for optimal convenience.

→ Are there vegetarian options for the meat layer?

Substitute with plant-based ground meat alternatives or add sautéed vegetables for a meatless option.