Get ready to transform your dinner table with the most mouth-watering, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that's about to become your family's new obsession! This Million Dollar Baked Ziti isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a culinary masterpiece that combines layers of perfectly cooked ziti, rich marinara sauce, and a dreamy cheese blend that will have everyone begging for seconds. Whether you're hosting a family dinner or looking to impress your friends, this recipe is your ticket to instant kitchen hero status!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add ziti pasta and cook until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break the meat into small crumbles using a wooden spoon. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain excess fat from the beef. Return skillet to heat and add marinara sauce. Stir to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Add cooked ziti to the meat sauce, stirring to ensure pasta is evenly coated. If mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Transfer half the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the first layer.
- Add remaining pasta mixture on top of the cheese layer. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot as a complete meal.
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your ziti al dente to prevent mushy pasta. Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven, so slightly undercook it when boiling.
- Cheese Strategy: Use freshly grated cheese when possible. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.
- Flavor Boost: Don't skip the Italian seasoning – it adds depth and authenticity to the dish. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Moisture Management: If your mixture seems dry, use the reserved pasta water to add moisture without diluting flavor.
- Resting is Key: Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
- Leftover Love: This baked ziti reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain its crispy cheese topping.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 95mg
