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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish that perfectly blends comfort food with a touch of luxury. Featuring rich layers of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses combined with savory meat and a flavorful marinara sauce, this recipe is quick to prepare, versatile, and ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Its balanced creaminess, gooey cheese, and tender pasta make it a crowd-pleaser and a must-have in any dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti pasta

Cheese Mixture

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Meat

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh basil

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh chopped basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling ziti pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven and absorb the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Sauce and Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté minced onion and garlic until fragrant. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned and no longer pink. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, allowing the flavors to meld for a few minutes.
  3. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will create the creamy, cheesy layers that bring richness to the dish.
  4. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Cheese: Toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce, then fold in the cheese mixture gently to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful.
  5. Assemble the Baked Ziti: Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with some mozzarella cheese, then add the remaining pasta mixture. Top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and it to firm up for easier slicing.

Notes

  • Al Dente Pasta: Avoid overcooking the pasta during boiling, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Use Fresh Cheese: Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better and has superior flavor compared to pre-shredded.
  • Layer Well: Layer pasta, sauce, and cheese for even distribution of flavors.
  • Don’t Skip Resting: Let the baked ziti rest after baking to firm up and slice neatly.
  • Customize Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust herbs, salt, and pepper before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked ziti, creamy baked pasta, Italian comfort food, cheesy pasta bake, easy weeknight dinner, crowd-pleasing pasta

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