Amazing 15-Minute pasta bake Joy

There are days when only bubbling, gooey, cheesy comfort will do, right? I totally get it. When I was deep in my corporate burnout days, the last thing I wanted was a complicated meal. That’s why this recipe—the Million Dollar Cheesy Baked Ziti—is my absolute go-to for those nights. It’s the ultimate pasta bake that feels incredibly special but comes together so fast, it feels like cheating. You throw this together, slide it in the oven, and suddenly your busy weeknight transforms. It’s pure joy in a casserole dish, and I’m thrilled to share the secret to making it.

Why This Million Dollar Cheesy Baked Ziti is the Ultimate Comfort Food Pasta Bake

I know you’re scrolling looking for something that tastes like you spent all Sunday prepping it, but only takes an hour on a Tuesday. Trust me, this recipe earns its ‘Million Dollar’ name without demanding that level of effort. This isn’t just any baked pasta; it’s the definitive experience for anyone craving the ultimate cheesy pasta bake.

Here’s why this casserole beats everything else in my rotation:

Quick Assembly for a Weeknight Pasta Bake Dinner

Seriously, we’re looking at about 15 minutes of prep work before this goes into the oven. That’s why this lands at the top of my favorite weeknight pasta bake ideas. It’s hearty comfort food that doesn’t stress out your schedule. Grab that link to my taco salad if you need something even faster, but this bake is worth the extra 20 minutes!

Layered with Rich and Creamy Cheese

The secret to making this a rich and creamy pasta bake is that glorious ricotta layer we mix up with the egg and Parmesan. It steams perfectly while baking, creating pockets of pure velvet. It’s what elevates this from a standard sauce-and-noodle situation into a proper cheesy baked pasta casserole.

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Perfect Family Style Pasta Bake Serving

This recipe fills up a 9×13 dish perfectly, making it ideal for a huge family dinner or an easy contribution to a potluck. It travels well, too! It’s the definition of a dependable, crowd-pleasing family style pasta bake.

Ingredients for Your Rich and Creamy Pasta Bake Dinner

Now we get down to the essentials! You only need a handful of things for this pasta bake, but quality matters. I want you to imagine this dish being so flavorful, you wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. If you’re looking for another easy, soulful dish later, check out my recipe for easy white chicken chili, but for now, let’s talk about what goes into this winner.

The absolute key player here, besides the pasta, is that ricotta cheese. It’s what turns this into that dreamy, layered texture we talked about—that essential element for any truly rich and creamy pasta bake. My top E-E-A-T tip? Don’t skimp on the jarred sauce! Since the sauce doesn’t simmer for hours, using a high-quality marinara makes all the difference in the final flavor profile.

Here’s what you need to gather:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Baked Ziti Recipe

Okay, this is where the magic happens! Putting this best baked ziti recipe together is actually straightforward once you break it down into manageable components. We’re talking sauce, creamy filling, and assembly. Don’t stress about perfection here; just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning oven baked pasta recipe ready in under an hour. I always make sure my pasta is just shy of done—al dente plus maybe a minute—because it’s going to keep cooking in the oven surrounded by that hot sauce. That’s my secret for avoiding that gummy texture!

If you want another amazing one-dish wonder, take a peek at my recipe for skillet lasagna, but let’s focus on getting this ziti layered perfectly.

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Prepping the Pasta and Meat Sauce for Your Pasta Bake

First things first: get that oven preheated to 375°F and grease your 9×13 dish. While the ziti boils, start on the sauce. Heat your oil in a skillet, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until everything smells amazing—about eight minutes. Quick tip here: make absolutely sure you drain off all that excess fat after browning the meat. Nobody wants a greasy final product! Then, stir in those tomato sauces, seasoning, and bring it to a gentle simmer before moving on.

Creating the Creamy Ricotta Layer for This Pasta Bake

Next up is the component that makes this dish taste like a million bucks—the creamy bit! In a separate medium bowl, gently combine your whole milk ricotta, the one large egg, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Whisk this until it’s super smooth and uniform. I really stress mixing this well; we want zero lumps, so when we dollop it in later, it spreads nice and easy across the noodles.

Assembling and Baking Your Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole

Now we build! Toss your cooked, drained ziti with half the meat sauce. Put half of that sauced pasta into the bottom of your baking dish. Dollop half the ricotta mixture over that, then sprinkle with a cup of mozzarella. Repeat the layers: remaining pasta, remaining ricotta, and then pour the rest of your meat sauce right over the top like a blanket. Make sure to cover everything with the final cup of mozzarella and extra Parmesan. Bake this lovely cheesy baked pasta casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbly. And please, do not skip step 11: let it rest for 10 minutes! That crucial resting time lets the structure set so it doesn’t collapse into a puddle when you slice into it.

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Tips for Making a Make Ahead Pasta Bake

I love knowing I have dinner sorted days in advance, don’t you? That’s why this recipe transitions so beautifully into the realm of make ahead pasta bake magic. If you’re planning for a busy week or maybe prepping for a big weekend event, you absolutely can assemble this whole thing ahead of time!

The instructions say you can cover it tightly and chill it for up to 24 hours. Just remember, when you bake it straight from the fridge, you need to add about 10 minutes to that covered baking time because it’s going in colder. My personal trick, especially if it’s going into the freezer, is to use heavy-duty foil and press it right down onto the cheese surface before wrapping the sides. I do a double layer of foil to prevent any freezer burn from sneaking in.

If you’re prepping for leftovers, this stores wonderfully. Speaking of prepping ahead, if you need a lighter option next time, check out the easy steps for my BBQ Chicken Sliders—they hold up really well for meal prep too!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Pasta Bake

So you’re short on ground beef, or maybe you’re feeding a vegetarian friend this time? No problem at all! That’s what makes this inherently adaptable pasta bake recipe so great. You can absolutely swap out the ground beef. If you want to try a meatless baked pasta dish, I highly recommend substituting it with cremini mushrooms, finely chopped, or one cup of cooked brown or green lentils mixed right in with the sauce ingredients.

As for the pasta shape, while Ziti is classic for a reason, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure whatever you pick is sturdy enough to hold up to those heavy cheese layers. If you need something lighter later in the week, pop over and check out my recipe for Minestrone Soup—it’s a great contrast!

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The egg in the ricotta mixture is crucial for binding it together as it bakes, so I wouldn’t skip that part, but overall, this recipe is very forgiving. That’s good news for a busy home cook like us!

Serving Suggestions for This Family Style Pasta Bake

When you pull this rich and creamy pasta bake out of the oven, you want sides that balance out all that cheesy goodness, right? Since this dish is pretty heavy on its own, I always swing toward something bright and green. Think simple! A huge side salad with a sharp vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Or, if you’re feeding a crowd who loves dipping, you absolutely cannot go wrong with some homemade cheesy garlic bread. I swear, if you’re already making one amazing oven baked pasta recipe, you deserve a little garlic bread decadence on the side!

For a slightly healthier but still cozy pairing, my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli is fantastic; it’s quick, crunchy, and brings a nice bitterness to stand up to the savory sauce.

Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Pasta Bake

Listen, if you don’t devour this entire **pasta bake** the night you make it—which is highly unlikely, but I’ll allow it—you’re in luck! Leftovers are almost better the next day. Simply cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and tuck it into the fridge for up to four days. When you want to enjoy it again, I prefer reheating individual slices in the microwave for speed, but for the best texture, reheat the whole thing in a 350°F oven until bubbly. For another great leftover idea, check out my crispy fried potatoes!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cheesy Baked Pasta Casserole

I totally get it; when you’re making a huge comfort food classic like this cheesy baked pasta casserole, you want to get every detail right! Here are a few things I always hear when people make this pasta bake for the first time. If you have other questions, feel free to drop over to my blog or say hello on Facebook at Pure Cooking Joy!

Can I use different pasta shapes in this pasta bake?

Yes, you absolutely can! While I use ziti because it has those lovely ridges that grab the sauce, rigatoni or even penne work beautifully. Almost any short, tubular pasta holds up really well when submerged in sauce for these types of oven baked pasta recipes. Just remember to undercook it slightly before layering!

How do I prevent the cheese topping from burning during baking?

Oh, that’s such an annoying thing, especially when you want that perfect golden brown without black spots. If you notice the cheese is getting too dark before the center is fully heated through—usually around the 15-minute mark—just grab a piece of foil and loosely tent it over the top of the dish. Pull it off for the last five minutes so it can brown up nicely!

Is this considered a quick pasta bake meal?

It lands right on the edge, and I call that a win! The total time is just under an hour, which, for something this decadent, is super fast. Given the 15 minutes of prep, I definitely classify this as one of my favorite quick pasta bake meals. It feeds a crowd and still leaves you time to relax after dinner!

Sharing Your Simple Baked Pasta Dinner Success

Whew, we did it! You now have the blueprint for what I genuinely believe is the best pasta bake out there. Now I’d love to hear from you! If you take the plunge and make this dish, please come back and leave a star rating below—your feedback helps me know what makes you happy in the kitchen. And if you snap a picture of that beautiful, cheesy casserole, tag me on social media! Seeing your family enjoying this special comfort food makes all the joy of cooking worthwhile for me.

Million Dollar Cheesy Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Comfort Food Pasta Bake

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You need a rich, satisfying dinner that feels special but cooks easily. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe delivers creamy, cheesy comfort in one dish, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

• Author: purejoyalex
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 30 min
• Total Time: 55 min
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
4. Stir the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper into the skillet with the meat mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then remove from heat.
5. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, and parsley until combined. This is your creamy layer.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the meat sauce. Mix well to coat the pasta.
7. Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the pasta layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
8. Top with the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the remaining ricotta mixture. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and a little extra Parmesan cheese over the top.
10. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
11. Let the **easy pasta bake recipe** rest for 10 minutes before you cut and serve it.

Notes

• For a make ahead pasta bake, assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add about 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
• If you want a richer flavor, substitute half of the ground beef with ground Italian sausage.
• This dish freezes well. Cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 10
• Sodium: 750
• Fat: 28
• Saturated Fat: 14
• Unsaturated Fat: 14
• Trans Fat: 1
• Carbohydrates: 55
• Fiber: 4
• Protein: 32
• Cholesterol: 95