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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
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4.8 from 11 reviews

Indulge in this decadent Million Dollar Baked Ziti loaded with layers of pasta, creamy cheeses, and savory meat sauce. A comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the pasta:

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

For the meat sauce:

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara or pasta sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the cheese mixture:

  • 1 container (15 oz) ricotta cheese
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the pasta: Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Prepare the meat sauce: In a large skillet, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Add garlic, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. Mix the cheese: In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.
  5. Layer the dish: In a greased baking dish, layer ziti, cheese mixture, and meat sauce. Repeat layers and top with remaining cheeses.
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until golden.
  7. Serve: Rest for 10 minutes before garnishing with parsley and serving.

Notes

  • You can use a blend of sausage and beef for extra flavor.
  • Prepare ahead and refrigerate before baking—adjust bake time accordingly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://easy-tapas-recipes.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-recipe-2/