Hello, my dear friends, and welcome back to my kitchen table. There’s something truly magical about a pasta bake that brings everyone running when it comes out of the oven, its cheesy top bubbling and golden.
This Delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti is that kind of dish. It’s the one I make for potlucks and family gatherings, and I’m always asked, ‘What’s the secret to that million dollar sauce?’ and ‘How do you keep it from getting runny?’ Let me share my story with you.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Estimated Prep & Cook Time for Delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This easy baked ziti recipe is a true labor of love that comes together in a flash.
Prep time is about 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for baking. You’ll want to let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, making the total time just about an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This simple step ensures your best baked ziti won’t stick.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Cooking to al dente is key for the perfect pasta bake texture.
Step 3: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned. Add garlic and cook for one more minute. Drain any excess grease.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Stir the marinara sauce into the beef mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. This is where the magic starts!
Step 5: Make the Creamy Layer
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, egg, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth. This is the heart of our creamy baked ziti.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Add the cooked pasta to the cream cheese mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Every single tube of ziti gets enveloped in cheesy goodness.
Step 7: Layer It Up
Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce and one cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti truly sing. Here are my favorites.
- Flavor Swap: Try using Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a richer, spicier flavor profile.
- Diet Tweak: For a lighter version, use ground turkey and low-fat cream cheese and ricotta.
- Prep Fix: To prevent a runny ziti, ensure your meat sauce isn’t too watery before assembling.
- Storage Tip: This dish freezes beautifully! Assemble it, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Healthier Alternatives for Delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti
I often get asked, ‘Can I make this Delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti a bit healthier?’ Absolutely! This easy baked ziti is wonderfully adaptable.
You can use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for extra fiber. Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or even lentils. Light cream cheese and part-skim ricotta work perfectly without sacrificing that creamy texture we all love.
How to Serve Delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti
This best baked ziti is a meal unto itself, but I love to serve it with a simple, crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. It cuts through the richness beautifully.
For a real feast, add some garlic bread for dipping into that incredible sauce. A glass of robust red wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the perfect weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes million dollar baked ziti so special?
It’s the luxurious, creamy cheese mixture that sets it apart from a standard recipe. The combination of cream cheese, ricotta, and mozzarella creates an incredibly rich and decadent experience that feels like a million bucks.
How do you keep baked ziti from getting runny?
The key is to make sure your meat sauce is nicely thickened after simmering and to drain your cooked pasta thoroughly. Letting the ziti stand for 10 minutes after baking allows everything to set perfectly.
Can I make million dollar ziti a day ahead?
You certainly can! Assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be going into the oven cold.
What kind of cheese is best for baked ziti?
For the signature creamy layer, a combination of whole-milk ricotta and full-fat cream cheese is ideal. For melting, a good quality low-moisture mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan are my go-to choices.
Why is my baked ziti always dry on top?
This usually happens if it’s baked too long or at too high a temperature. Follow the recipe closely, and make sure your dish is properly covered with sauce and cheese to protect the pasta from drying out.
What can I substitute for ricotta in baked ziti?
Cottage cheese is a fantastic substitute! Simply give it a quick blend in the food processor until smooth, and it will work beautifully in the creamy layer of this ziti pasta bake.
How can you tell when baked ziti is done?
It’s done when the cheese is completely melted, the edges are bubbling vigorously, and the top is a beautiful, spotty golden brown. Letting it rest is the final, crucial step.
