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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food that transforms a simple dinner into a heartwarming experience. This creamy, cheesy pasta casserole is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends. With layers of ziti pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a delightful blend of cheeses, it’s an easy recipe that anyone can master—even on the busiest weeknights. Customize it to suit your tastes by adding vegetables or swapping proteins, ensuring everyone around the table finds their favorite flavor. Prepare this dish ahead of time and enjoy the warm, inviting aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes to golden perfection.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti in salted water until al dente (8-10 minutes), drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef or turkey; drain excess fat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half of the mozzarella and Parmesan until creamy.
  5. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, half of the meat sauce, and spoonfuls of the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, add remaining mozzarella, and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition

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