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Million Dollar Baked Ziti: The Ultimate Cheesy Comfort Dish

A delicious square slice of baked ziti pasta layered with meat sauce and creamy cheese topping.
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I am so glad you are here. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe proves that soul-satisfying food is simple to make. It features rich, creamy ricotta layers and savory sauce for a family favorite that comes together easily.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 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
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

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 meat, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
  4. Stir the marinara sauce into the cooked meat mixture. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until the ingredients are fully combined. This creates your creamy layer.
  6. In a large bowl, combine the drained ziti, half of the meat sauce, and 2 cups of the mozzarella cheese. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
  7. Spread half of the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top this layer evenly with the entire ricotta mixture.
  8. Spoon the remaining meat sauce over the ricotta layer. Top with the remaining pasta mixture.
  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 cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly browned.
  11. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before you cut and serve it.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use high-quality marinara sauce.
  • You can make this entire casserole ahead of time. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.
  • If you want a truly ‘Million Dollar’ experience, layer in thin slices of provolone cheese between the ricotta and the top layer of mozzarella.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-recipe/

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