Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This Ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti combines the flavors of rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and savory ground beef to create a comforting dish that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It's loaded with cheese and has a satisfying balance of textures that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
- 3 mixing bowls
- 1 9x13 inch baking dish
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 oven
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or sausage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- to taste none salt
- to taste none black pepper
- for garnish none fresh basil Optional.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well until combined.
- In a baking dish, spread half of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer the ziti mixture evenly on top. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ziti and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for different flavors.
Feel free to add vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for additional nutrition.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.