Million Dollar Baked Ziti for Cozy Pasta Nights

If you're looking for a cozy meal that warms the heart, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is just the ticket! I remember one rainy evening, my son Jake came home from school, drenched and cold, and I whipped up this dish. The smile on his face was priceless! This baked ziti recipe is perfect for those pasta dinners that everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• You can make it ahead of time for busy weeknights.
• It’s loaded with cheesy goodness and hearty flavors.
• Perfect for leftovers that taste even better the next day!

Pure Comfort

Baked ziti is one of those comfort dishes that feels like a warm hug. When you dig into a cheesy, saucy portion, it’s hard not to feel a wave of nostalgia. It reminds me of family gatherings and cozy nights in, where everyone gathers around the table, sharing stories and laughter. This dish is more than just food; it’s a way to bring loved ones together.

What You Need

• 1 1 lb ziti pasta – You can substitute with penne or rigatoni.
• 1 1 lb ground beef – Feel free to use turkey or a plant-based meat.
• 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Shallots can work in a pinch.
• 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be used if you’re in a hurry.
• 1 24 oz marinara sauce – Homemade or store-bought is fine.
• 1 15 oz ricotta cheese – Cottage cheese can be a lighter option.
• 2 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – Try a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor.
• 1/2 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute.
• 1 1 tsp Italian seasoning – Feel free to add fresh herbs for a brighter taste.
• to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Always adjust according to your preference.

Time to Cook

Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 30 minutes | Total: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance.

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. The smell of the warm oven will get you excited for this meal!
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, letting the steam escape.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
5. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the meat sauce. Stir until everything is well combined and looks delicious.
6. Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for that gooey, melty goodness.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve!

Make It Perfect

• For an extra kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Use a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
• Don’t skip the resting time; it helps the ziti hold its shape.
• Feel free to sneak in some veggies like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
• If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked meat or jarred sauce.

Mix It Up

• Add cooked spinach for a healthier twist.
• Swap out the meat for sausage for a spicier flavor.
• Try using different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a unique taste.

Perfect Partners

• Serve with garlic bread for a classic combo.
• A fresh green salad pairs perfectly to balance the richness.
• Don’t forget a glass of red wine for the adults!

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FAQs

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a fantastic addition to your collection of ziti recipes. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your loved ones, serve up some pasta, and enjoy those cozy nights together!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti for Cozy Pasta Nights

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a warm, cheesy pasta dish perfect for cozy family dinners. It features ziti pasta mixed with ricotta, mozzarella, ground beef, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning, baked until bubbling and golden. Ideal for make-ahead meals and leftovers.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

Main

• 1 lb ziti pasta You can substitute with penne or rigatoni
• 1 lb ground beef Feel free to use turkey or a plant-based meat
• 1 large yellow onion, diced Shallots can work in a pinch
• 3 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can be used if in a hurry
• 24 oz marinara sauce Homemade or store-bought is fine
• 15 oz ricotta cheese Cottage cheese can be a lighter option
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Try a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra flavor
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning Feel free to add fresh herbs for a brighter taste
• to taste salt and pepper Always adjust according to your preference

Equipment

• Oven
• Large skillet
• Large bowl
• Baking dish
• Aluminum foil

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
4. Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
5. Add the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti with the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the meat sauce until well combined.
7. Transfer the ziti mixture to a greased baking dish.
8. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
11. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.