Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! The moment you take a bite of this Million Dollar Baked Ziti with Ground Beef, you’ll understand why I absolutely adore this recipe. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day—comforting, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. I still remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. As soon as I pulled it out of the oven, the aroma was so inviting that everyone came flocking to the kitchen. It was gone in a flash, with everyone asking for the recipe! That’s the magic of a great baked ziti, isn’t it?
The beauty of this dish lies in its layers of cheesy goodness, perfectly seasoned meat, and that delightful hint of Italian herbs. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, and you can easily double the recipe for a potluck or a gathering. Trust me, your friends and family will think you’ve just won the culinary lottery when they take their first bite!
What’s in Million Dollar Baked Ziti With Ground Beef?
Let’s dive into this delicious recipe and break down the star players:
Ground Beef: This is the heart of the dish! I usually go for 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
Onion: A diced onion adds that wonderful depth of flavor and sweetness. Always a must in my kitchen!
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a fragrant kick—because who doesn’t love garlic?
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality jar of marinara sauce is a time-saver. I’m a big fan of brands that don’t add unnecessary sugars!
Ricotta Cheese: This creamy cheese adds richness and a bit of substance to our layers.
Egg: The egg helps bind the ricotta mixture, ensuring every slice holds together beautifully.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that evokes the essence of Italian cuisine.
Ziti Pasta: A classic choice for baked dishes, the ridges in ziti hold onto that scrumptious sauce.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness is what gives the baked ziti that irresistible top layer!
Grated Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds an extra layer of flavor and is the perfect finishing touch.
Fresh Parsley: A pop of color and freshness when garnishing. Plus, it looks fancy, doesn’t it?
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, to taste of course!
Is Million Dollar Baked Ziti Good for You?
Now let’s chat about the goodness side of things! This baked ziti is packed with flavor and provides a good mix of nutrients.
Ground Beef: It’s a great source of protein, iron, and B vitamins. Just keep an eye on portion sizes if you’re watching your fat intake.
Ricotta Cheese: It adds calcium and protein to the mix, which is fantastic for those looking to boost their intake of these nutrients.
Pasta: While it is a carbohydrate source that provides energy, I like to feel a little better about it when I use whole grain or a veggie-based pasta!
As with all indulgent recipes, moderation is key! Enjoy your slice of ziti without guilt, but try pairing it with a side salad for a balanced meal.
Ingredients List
This mouthwatering recipe serves about 8 people, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunch!
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
– 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 12 ounces ziti pasta
– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti?
Ready to get cooking? Let’s do this!
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, and sauté until the onion is translucent.
5. Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
7. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce at the bottom.
8. Add half of the cooked ziti, then layer half of the ricotta mixture over it, followed by half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
9. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, ricotta mixture, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
12. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions and Tips for Ultimate Baked Ziti
Here are some fun thoughts to make the most out of your baked ziti experience:
– **Make Ahead Tip:** You can assemble your ziti ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a day or two before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
– **Vegetarian Option:** Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a hearty vegetarian version.
– **Freeze for Later:** This ziti freezes beautifully—just make sure to store it in an airtight container!
– **Garnish with Love:** Besides parsley, feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes or fresh basil on top before serving.
There you have it—my secret weapon for a crowd-pleasing meal! I hope you make this Million Dollar Baked Ziti soon. It will undoubtedly become a favorite at your table, just like it is at mine. Let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
