Million Dollar Baked Ziti: Weeknight Comfort for Busy Families

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is creamy, saucy, and topped with a golden, bubbly cheese crust. The ricotta mixture makes it rich and smooth, the marinara keeps it bright, and the browned meat gives it savory depth. It’s special because it looks and tastes like a dish you’d serve company but it’s simple enough for a weeknight.

Top reasons to make it: it feeds a crowd, uses pantry staples, and makes great leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 45 minutes (hands-on time is low)
• Uses simple, common ingredients
• Great for feeding family or saving for lunches
• Crowd-pleasing cheesy comfort food

Ingredients of Million Dollar Baked Ziti

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce, well-seasoned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Step-by-Step Instructions of Million Dollar Baked Ziti

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage; break it up and brown until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in 3 cups marinara sauce and let the meat sauce simmer 3–5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat.
7. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, the egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, half of the shredded mozzarella, the ricotta mixture, and the meat marinara. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
9. Spoon half the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a little of the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella. Add the rest of the ziti, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and heated through. If you want a browned top, broil 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
11. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and slices nicely.

Tips for Success

• Use pasta slightly undercooked so it won’t turn mushy when baked.
• Drain any excess grease after browning meat to keep the dish from getting oily.
• Let the baked ziti rest a few minutes; it holds together much better when served.

Substitutions & Variations of Million Dollar Baked Ziti

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

• Use gluten-free ziti or penne.
• Swap ricotta for a vegan ricotta (store-bought or blended tofu + lemon).
• Use vegan mozzarella and plant-based ground “beef.”

Variations:

• Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies.
• Use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.
• Add a tablespoon of pesto to the ricotta for a bright herby twist.
• Mix in cooked Italian sausage links sliced thin for chunkier meat bites.

Storage Instructions of Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave single portions.

Freezer:

• Freeze baked ziti in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can also freeze unbaked assembled ziti (cover tightly) and bake from thawed or frozen add extra baking time if still cold.

Make-Ahead:

• Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready and add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Can I skip the egg in the ricotta?
Yes. The egg helps bind, but the casserole will still be fine without it it may be slightly looser.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or even shells work well just use the same cooking approach.

How do I keep the top from burning when broiling?
Move the dish to a lower rack and broil for just 1–2 minutes while watching closely.

Final Toughts

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the kind of homey dish that makes the kitchen smell like a cozy Sunday dinner perfect for busy families or anyone who wants comfort without a lot of work. Give this recipe a try tonight and enjoy the creamy ricotta, savory meat sauce, and melty cheese that everyone will love. If you make it, please leave a comment and a star rating so others can find this simple, crowd-pleasing meal.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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A cozy make-ahead meal that is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for families. This baked ziti is ready in 45 minutes and sure to please everyone at the table.

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 ounces ziti pasta
• 3 cups marinara sauce, well-seasoned
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese, preferably whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil the ziti in salted water until just al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft, about 4 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage; break it up and brown until cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
6. Stir in 3 cups marinara sauce and let the meat sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors. Remove from heat.
7. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan, the egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, half of the shredded mozzarella, the ricotta mixture, and the meat marinara. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
9. Spoon half the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a little of the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella. Add the rest of the ziti, then top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
10. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and heated through. If you want a browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
11. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and slices nicely.

Notes

Use slightly undercooked pasta to prevent mushiness. Drain excess grease after browning meat. Let rest before serving for better slicing.

• Author: soukaina
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian