Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: million dollar baked ziti! This dish is not just any pasta bake; it’s a warm hug in a casserole dish. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. The aroma of garlic and simmering marinara filled the kitchen, and everyone was practically drooling before it even came out of the oven! It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd—or just yourself if you’re feeling indulgent (no judgment here!). With layers of creamy ricotta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese, every bite is pure bliss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a million-dollar dish in my book!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this million dollar baked ziti shine! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ziti pasta: Cooked until al dente for that perfect bite.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This will help sauté your veggies to perfection.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds great flavor; don’t skimp on this!
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference—trust me!
- 1 pound ground beef: For a hearty and filling dish.
- 2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce: Choose your favorite brand; it’s the base of our sauce.
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese: Creamy goodness that adds richness.
- 1 egg: Helps bind the ricotta mixture together.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that melty, gooey top layer!
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nice salty kick—don’t skip this!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
Make sure everything is prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious and satisfying meal!
How to Prepare Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Alright, let’s dive into the delicious steps of making this million dollar baked ziti! It may seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s totally worth it. Just follow along, and you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece in no time!
Preheat and Cook Pasta
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because we want our ziti to cook evenly and thoroughly. While that’s warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente—usually about 8-10 minutes. You want it firm enough to hold up in the bake, but soft enough to eat. Once it’s done, drain and set aside!
Sauté Vegetables and Brown Meat
Now, grab a large skillet and heat those 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they’re fragrant and softened. You’ll see the onion turn a nice, translucent color—yum! Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Brown it for around 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Make sure there’s no pink left! Once it’s beautifully browned, drain any excess fat. You don’t want a greasy dish!
Combine Ingredients for the Sauce
Time to bring it all together! Stir in those 2 jars of marinara sauce with the browned meat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows all those flavors to meld beautifully. Trust me, the aroma is going to be heavenly!
Mix Ricotta and Combine All Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until it’s nice and smooth. This mixture adds a creamy layer to our dish! Now, combine the cooked ziti with the meat sauce and ricotta mixture. Give it a good stir to coat everything evenly—like a big warm hug for your pasta!
Layer and Bake
Alright, it’s assembly time! Grab a baking dish and transfer half of the ziti mixture into it. Layer half of your shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then, add the remaining ziti mixture and finish with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Wow, look at that cheesy goodness! Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to ensure your million dollar baked ziti turns out perfectly every time! First off, don’t overcook your ziti pasta; it should be just al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. If you plan to make this ahead of time, you can assemble it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking—just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
For the best flavor, use a high-quality marinara sauce; it makes a huge difference! And if you have leftovers (if you can resist eating it all!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the next day!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this delicious million dollar baked ziti. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients you choose:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
This dish is not only filling but also packs a punch with protein and flavor! Enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about million dollar baked ziti is how well it keeps. You can assemble the entire dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be cold from the fridge. It’s a lifesaver for busy evenings or gatherings!
Can I substitute other ingredients?
For sure! If you want a lighter option, you can easily substitute ground turkey for the beef. And if you’re not a fan of ricotta, try using cottage cheese instead; it offers a similar texture with a slightly different flavor. You can also mix it up with different cheeses—like adding provolone or gouda for a unique twist. Just make sure to stick with cheeses that melt well for that gooey layer we all love!
How can I make it vegetarian?
Making million dollar baked ziti vegetarian is a breeze! Just skip the ground beef and load it up with your favorite vegetables instead. Zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach all work beautifully. Sauté them just like you would the meat to develop their flavors. You can also add some cooked lentils for extra protein and texture. Trust me, you won’t miss the meat one bit!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your million dollar baked ziti all ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! A crisp, fresh salad is always a winner. I love tossing together some mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette—it’s the perfect way to balance out the richness of the ziti.
For an extra touch of Italian flair, garlic bread is a must! The buttery, garlicky goodness pairs perfectly with the cheesy pasta. You can even serve some roasted vegetables on the side for a colorful and nutritious addition. And don’t forget a nice glass of red wine to elevate the meal! Trust me, this combination will turn your dinner into a delightful feast that everyone will rave about!
For more information on the health benefits of pasta, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti: 5 Steps to Cheesy Perfection
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty baked ziti dish that is rich and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 jars (24 ounces each) marinara sauce
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked ziti with meat sauce and ricotta mixture.
- Transfer half of the ziti mixture to a baking dish. Layer half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
- Add the remaining ziti mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 50 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: million dollar baked ziti, baked ziti, pasta bake
