Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy delight that combines al dente ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a melty blend of cheeses. This ultimate comfort dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, guaranteed to satisfy everyone’s cravings with its hearty flavors. With minimal prep and simple steps, you’ll create a mouthwatering masterpiece that warms the heart and impresses your guests.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat; drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with meat-sauce mixture and softened cream cheese until well combined.
- Layer half of the pasta mixture in the baking dish, sprinkle half the mozzarella on top, then add the remaining mixture followed by the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (212g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg