Million Dollar Baked Ziti (Printable Format)
Rich baked ziti layers savory meat, creamy cheeses, and marinara in a hearty, comforting Italian-inspired dish.
# Needed Ingredients:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces ziti pasta
→ Meat
02 -
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
→ Sauce
03 -
24 ounces marinara sauce
04 -
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
05 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Cheese
07 -
15 ounces ricotta cheese
08 -
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
09 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until thoroughly browned, breaking the meat apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, about 1 minute.
03 -
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning into the skillet with the meat. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
04 -
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half the shredded mozzarella and a portion of the Parmesan. Stir until well blended and creamy.
05 -
Grease a large baking dish. Arrange half the cooked ziti pasta in the bottom, spoon half the meat sauce over, and add generous dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat layering with remaining pasta, meat sauce, and cheese mixture.
06 -
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, top with the remaining mozzarella cheese, and return to oven to bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and surface is golden and bubbling.
# Supplementary Details:
01 -
Allow the baked ziti to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to facilitate easier slicing and optimal texture.