Looking for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress? This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. With layers of pasta, a creamy cheese filling, and hearty sauce, this recipe lives up to its name. It’s a classic Italian-American dish elevated with a few simple tweaks, making it rich, flavorful, and totally irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This baked ziti is a one-dish wonder that’s easy to make and always a hit at gatherings. The creamy layers of ricotta and cream cheese take it to the next level, while the marinara sauce and melted mozzarella give it that gooey, cheesy finish everyone loves. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need:
- Ziti or penne pasta
- Ground beef or Italian sausage
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Ricotta cheese
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Mozzarella and parmesan cheese
- Egg (for the cheese mixture)
- Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Find the full ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
Cooking the Pasta
Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Preparing the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Making the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, grated parmesan, an egg, and seasonings. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Layering the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, layer as follows:
- Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
- Add half of the cooked pasta.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
- Top with more meat sauce.
- Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of shredded mozzarella.
Baking
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
Let the ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh basil for a pop of color.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for extra flavor in the meat sauce.
- Shred your own mozzarella—it melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter filling.
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner version.
- Add a layer of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Serve this baked ziti with a simple green salad and a side of garlic bread to round out the meal. A glass of red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, pairs beautifully with the rich flavors. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a twist of lemon or iced tea.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
To freeze, assemble the ziti but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to two months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the ziti up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.
2. What’s the best pasta to use?
Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni work just as well. Any short, tubular pasta will hold the sauce and cheese perfectly.
3. Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the meat and add extra marinara or sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
4. How can I prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil?
Spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray before covering the dish.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is comfort food at its finest. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s a dish that never fails to please a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
So grab your favorite baking dish, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make the best baked ziti ever. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you!
Print
Oven-Baked Ziti: A Perfectly Cheesy Comfort Dish
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (add 2 extra servings for 8 servings total) 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Classic Baked Ziti is a comforting and satisfying meal made with ziti pasta, marinara sauce, melted cheese, and a delicious blend of spices. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep. This cheesy pasta dish comes together quickly and will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened.
- Add ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5–10 minutes, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture, stirring to combine.
- Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the dish cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage for more flavor.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- To make it ahead, assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. Bake it when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg