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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A creamy and savory baked pasta dish with layers of cheese, ziti, and marinara sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce Use high-quality for better flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing.
  • 1 small onion, chopped Provides flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances aroma.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage Can substitute with ground turkey.
Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese For creaminess.
  • 1 large egg Helps bind the mixture.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided Reserve half for layering.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided Reserve half for topping.
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing Vegetables
  1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Cooking the Meat
  1. Add the ground beef or sausage to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer to blend flavors.
Mixing the Cheese
  1. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Layering
  1. Grease a baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, half the ricotta mixture, half the mozzarella cheese, and half the sauce. Repeat the layers.
  2. Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Baking
  1. Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and browned. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh herbs, a side salad, and garlic bread. This dish can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.