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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Million Dollar Baked Ziti
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a luscious, creamy, and cheesy baked pasta dish that combines perfectly cooked ziti pasta with a rich blend of cheeses, a tangy marinara sauce, and optional savory meats. This ultimate comfort food offers a beautifully balanced flavor profile and hearty texture, making it ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or special celebrations. Easy to prepare and versatile in its variations, this baked ziti is a family-friendly meal that delights both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 ounces ziti pasta
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (well-seasoned)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cheese Mixture

  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Meat (Optional)

  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the ziti until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, ensuring not to overcook since it will bake in the oven later.
  2. Prepare the sauce and meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Add ground beef or sausage if using, breaking it up and cooking until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer to blend flavors.
  3. Mix the cheese filling: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, half of the grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy to create the binding base of the baked ziti.
  4. Layer the ingredients: Grease a baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, spread half the ricotta mixture evenly, sprinkle with half the mozzarella cheese, and add half the sauce. Repeat these layers, finishing with a generous topping of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  5. Bake to perfection: Cover the baking dish 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 the cheese is bubbly and browned. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta to prevent mushiness after baking and ensure it holds the sauce well.
  • Use whole milk ricotta cheese for extra creaminess and richness.
  • Allow the baked ziti to rest before serving to let it set and make slicing easier.
  • Combine ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses for balanced flavor and perfect melt.
  • Keep the dish covered while baking to retain moisture and prevent the cheese from burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: Million Dollar Baked Ziti, baked pasta, cheesy baked ziti, comfort food, Italian-American casserole, creamy baked pasta

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