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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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A rich and comforting baked ziti dish featuring layers of pasta, savory meat, marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses, perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz ziti pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil salted water in a large pot and cook ziti until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef or sausage until cooked through. Drain fat, then add minced garlic; cook until fragrant.
  4. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for about 5 minutes.
  5. In a bowl, mix ricotta with half of the mozzarella and some Parmesan until creamy.
  6. In a greased baking dish, layer half the ziti, followed by meat sauce and dollops of cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
  8. Remove foil, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Notes

Let the baked ziti rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it hold its shape. Serve with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or fresh basil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://voxrecipes.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti/