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Close-up of a cheesy baked ziti portion on a wooden board.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti: Cheesy One‑Dish Pasta Bake

A hearty and cheesy baked ziti dish that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Easy to prepare and full of flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 850
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauces
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
Vegetables and Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
Meat and Dairy
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta until al dente, then drain.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add ground meat, cook until browned, then stir in marinara and seasonings.
  3. Mix ricotta, egg, and half of mozzarella in a bowl. Combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
  4. Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover with foil.
  5. Bake for 25 minutes covered, then remove foil and bake 15 more minutes until bubbly. Garnish and serve.

Notes

Let the baked ziti rest for a few minutes before serving for best results.