Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a luxurious, cheesy casserole with tender pasta, creamy layers, and a savory meat sauce, baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s comfort food that’s both indulgent and simple to make.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta Layer
- 16 oz (450 g) ziti pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Meat Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz (680 g) marinara sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened (or ricotta/cottage cheese)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Topping
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Pasta
Cook ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and toss with olive oil. Set aside. - Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion for 2–3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Season with salt and pepper, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 10–15 minutes. - Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, beaten egg, 1 cup of mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley. Mix until smooth. - Assemble the Ziti
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the baking dish’s bottom. Layer as follows:- Half the pasta
- Half the cheese mixture
- Half the remaining meat sauce
- Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
- Add the Topping
Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. - Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Assemble and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20–30 minutes to the cook time.
- Reheating: Microwave for 2–3 minutes or reheat in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, covered.
- Customizations:
- Vegetarian: Use sautéed vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular ziti for gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
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