The aroma of melting cheese and savory tomato sauce fills the air as you imagine a bubbling dish of Million Dollar Baked Ziti coming out of the oven. Each layer promises a flavor explosion that your taste buds will thank you for.

Picture this: a cozy gathering with family or friends, laughter ringing through the kitchen as this creamy delight steals the show. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion!

Everyone raves about how my sister-in-law devoured two helpings at our last family dinner!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ziti Pasta: Use medium-sized ziti or penne for optimal sauce coverage and texture.
• Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease while still adding rich flavor.
• Marinara Sauce: A good quality marinara enhances the flavor; consider homemade or store-bought options.
• Ricotta Cheese: Look for whole milk ricotta; it provides creaminess that makes every bite heavenly.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Go for part-skim mozzarella to balance flavor and texture without overpowering.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds an irresistible nutty finish to your baked ziti.
• Fresh Basil: Use fresh basil leaves for garnish; they brighten up the dish with freshness.
• Garlic Powder: This seasoning infuses wonderful flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and thyme enhances the overall taste profile beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing all ingredients together harmoniously.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you gather your ingredients. Grab a large pot and fill it with salted water; bring it to a boil before adding your ziti pasta. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—about 8-10 minutes will do!
2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef along with salt and pepper; cook until browned. Break it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s fully cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should suffice here.
3. Pour in your marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Stir well until everything is coated evenly; let it simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so those flavors can mingle beautifully!
4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. This mixture adds richness and creaminess that every bite craves! Gently stir until smooth—you want it spreadable but not too runny.
5. Once your pasta finishes cooking, drain it well and add it directly into the meat sauce mixture—give everything a good toss so each piece gets deliciously coated! Then prepare an oven-safe baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray before layering half of the ziti mixture at the bottom.
6. Now comes the fun part—spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over that first layer before topping everything off with shredded mozzarella cheese like it’s confetti on New Year’s Eve! Repeat this process by layering up again until you run out of ingredients—make sure to finish off with plenty of mozzarella cheese on top!
7. Cover your baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes—this allows all those lovely flavors to meld together perfectly! Afterward, remove foil carefully (it’s hot!) then return to oven uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until bubbly golden brown perfection emerges from within!

Let cool slightly before digging in; serve garnished generously with freshly chopped basil leaves—it’s pure happiness on a plate!

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is not just another pasta dish—it’s an experience that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta while browning the meat. Layer everything beautifully before baking to ensure it cooks evenly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the ground meat for turkey or add veggies like spinach for added nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20 minutes for best results.

There’s nothing quite like the time I made Million Dollar Baked Ziti for my cousin’s wedding. The guests raved about it, and I felt like a culinary superstar!

FAQ

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day early and refrigerate before baking.

What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

A combination of mozzarella and ricotta gives the best flavor and texture.

Can I freeze leftover baked ziti?

Absolutely! Freeze it in portions for easy meals later. Just reheat thoroughly.

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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for family gatherings. With rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s comfort food at its finest.

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Ingredients

• Ziti pasta
• Ground beef
• Marinara sauce
• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, brown ground beef with salt and pepper for 5-7 minutes. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
5. Combine cooked pasta with the meat sauce, then layer half in a greased baking dish.
6. Add dollops of ricotta and sprinkle mozzarella on top. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
8. Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil, and serve.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Substitute ground turkey or add spinach for a healthier twist. Consider adding a pinch of sugar to the marinara sauce for extra flavor.