Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Name: Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb Ziti Pasta; 8 oz block Cream Cheese; 8 oz cup Sour Cream; 1 cup Ricotta Cheese; Italian Seasoning; 2 cups Shredded Italian Blend cheese or Parmesan Cheese; 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage or Ground Beef; 24 oz Marinara Sauce

15 mins prepServes 6

Hi, I’m Brooke! You have probably seen me on Social Media as Meals and Munchies. I’m a busy stay at home mom who loves sharing easy, family-friendly meals that come together fast—because let’s be honest, we don’t always have time for complicated. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, working from home, or just trying to get dinner on the table after work without a fuss, you’re in the right place. Meals and Munchies is where I share real-life recipes that are quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Easy recipes for every day life- let’s get cooking!Whether you’re juggling naptime, homework, or just trying to make it to bedtime with dinner on the table, these easy recipes are here to save the day. No fancy techniques, no complicated ingredients—just real-life meals you can make fast, with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Because easy doesn’t mean boring! These recipes are all beginner friendly and are so easy, anyone can make them! In fact, I often do them with a baby in my arms. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta casserole made with layers of tender ziti, a rich cream cheese–ricotta mixture, savory Italian sausage (or ground beef), and marinara sauce, all finished with bubbly, melted Italian-blend cheese. This comforting oven-baked pasta is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or feeding a crowd, with just 15 minutes of prep and simple pantry ingredients. Baked until golden and creamy, this hearty baked ziti recipe is make-ahead friendly, freezer-friendly, and guaranteed to become a go-to comfort food favorite.

6 servings

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Instructions


0 Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente, then drain well.
2 Lightly grease a 9×12-inch baking dish. Spread half of the cooked ziti evenly in the dish.
3 In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, Italian seasoning, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
4 Mix until smooth and fully combined. Softened cream cheese will make this step much easier.
5 Spread half of the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
6 In a skillet, cook the ground sausage or beef over medium heat until fully browned. Add the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
7 Spoon half of the meat sauce evenly over the cheese layer. 
8 Add the remaining ziti to the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
9 Top with the remaining cheese mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
10 Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
11 Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and bubbly.
12 Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to lightly brown and bubble the cheese.
13 Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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