Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Is there a dish more inviting than a bubbly, cheesy pan of baked ziti? Million Dollar Baked Ziti captures the essence of comfort food with its rich flavors and creamy textures, making it the perfect choice for family dinners, gatherings, or cozy nights in. As soon as the aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll find it hard to resist digging right in. Get ready for a layered masterpiece that is sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
- Rich, creamy textures combine perfectly with hearty ground beef or sausage for a comforting hug in every bite.
- This dish is not only crowd-pleasing but also a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- Million Dollar Baked Ziti is essentially a party on a plate, bringing everyone together to share in the delight of a home-cooked meal.
When it comes to a satisfying and delicious meal, baked ziti stands out among the rest. Whether you are feeding a crowd or looking for a dish that tastes even better the next day, this baked ziti is simply unbeatable.
Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti at Home
Before you embark on this culinary journey, let me take you through the straightforward process of creating your very own Million Dollar Baked Ziti. It’s all about layering flavors and using simple ingredients to create a dish that feels indulgent without being overly complicated.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Cook the Ziti
Begin by bringing a large pot of salty water to a boil. Trust me, salting the water enhances the flavor of the pasta. Add in 12 ounces of ziti pasta and cook until al dente, which should take around 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook since the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the ziti and set it aside.Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 1 small chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves until they’re fragrant and translucent. If you’re incorporating ground beef (or Italian sausage), now’s the time to break it up in the skillet and cook it until browned. Then add in 3 cups of marinara sauce and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Let this simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.Make the Ricotta Mixture
As your meat sauce simmers, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk) in a mixing bowl with 1 large egg, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will create the luscious base of your baked ziti.Layer the Ingredients
Grease a baking dish generously. Start layering your ingredients: lay down half of the cooked ziti. Then, spread half of the creamy ricotta mixture on top, sprinkle half of the 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and dollop on half of the meat sauce. Repeat these layers, ending with a generous topping of the reserved mozzarella and Parmesan for that golden, cheesy crown.Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese bubbles up to a mouthwatering golden brown. Allow your baked ziti to rest for 5 minutes before diving in.
Storage Tips for Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Once you’ve enjoyed your baked ziti, you might wonder about the best way to store leftovers. Let me guide you through some straightforward storage recommendations:
- Refrigerate: Keep your baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days at 40°F (4°C).
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze your baked ziti for up to 2 months. A well-sealed container or a freezer-safe bag works best.
- Thawing: To enjoy later, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: When reheating, cover the dish with foil to retain moisture and heat at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a versatile dish that can shine on its own or be perfectly complemented by various sides. Here are some delightful serving ideas:
- Green Salad: Pair with a fresh, crunchy garden salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Adding a side of roasted or sautéed vegetables brightens the meal and incorporates healthy ingredients.
- Wine Pairing: A bold red wine, such as a Chianti or Zinfandel, enhances the richness of the baked ziti and elevates your dining experience.
Make sure to monitor the portions; this dish often disappears quickly.
Tips to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Always check the pasta for doneness. It should be perfectly al dente to avoid becoming mushy when baked.
- To enhance flavor, consider adding fresh basil or parsley as a garnish before serving for a pop of color.
- Key Tip: If you want a crispier top, broil the ziti for a minute or two after baking, watching it carefully to prevent burning.
Variations or Substitutions
If you’re considering switching things up, here are a couple of tempting ideas:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian baked ziti.
- Spicy Twist: For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce or incorporate hot Italian sausage instead of sweet.
By taking an adventurous approach to this classic, you can create versions that cater to any dietary preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the baked ziti a day ahead, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just add an extra few minutes to the bake time.
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be a leaner alternative. Just make sure to season it well to keep the flavors robust.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
- Add more Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Use spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Q: Is it okay to use store-bought marinara sauce?
Sure! A good quality store-bought marinara can save time while still delivering delicious flavors. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned.
Nutritional Info
Considering the heartiness of Million Dollar Baked Ziti, it fits the bill for a filling meal. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 28 grams
- Total Fat: 28 grams
- Saturated Fat: 13 grams
- Carbohydrates: 51 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sodium: 900 mg
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a straightforward recipe, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here’s a quick overview to ensure your baked ziti comes out perfect:
- Under-seasoning: Since the pasta and ricotta are fairly bland, the sauce needs to carry the flavor. Don’t hesitate to season generously.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Remember that the pasta will cook further in the oven, so aim for al dente.
- Ignoring the Rest Time: Letting the ziti rest for a few minutes after baking can make serving easier and allows the layers to set.
Take these pointers to heart, and your Million Dollar Baked Ziti will charm everyone around the table.
As you sit down to enjoy this comforting dish, take a moment to relish the joy of good food shared with good company. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is not just a meal but an experience that brings a sense of warmth to any gathering. Happy cooking!
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Meat
Description
A rich and creamy baked ziti that captures the essence of comfort food, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil and cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
- Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; let simmer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth.
- Grease a baking dish and layer half of the ziti, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a crispier top, broil for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.