Irresistibly Cheesy Million Dollar Ziti
This Million Dollar Ziti is the ultimate cheesy baked pasta casserole, layered with tender ziti, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and gooey mozzarella. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta, cooked al dente
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the ziti in generously salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat, then stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook until fragrant.
- Add the marinara sauce to the skillet and simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan. If desired, whisk in an egg and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti, then the meat sauce, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
Notes
For a crispy golden top, broil the casserole for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully. Whole milk cheeses provide the creamiest texture. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.