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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe: Indulgent Comfort Food Delight

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is a deliciously indulgent dish that combines layers of cheesy goodness with hearty pasta, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 jar (28 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook the ziti according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and ground beef; cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
  5. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper.
  7. In a large baking dish, layer half of the ziti, half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat layers, finishing with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat mixture.
  • This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: Million Dollar Baked Ziti, Baked Ziti, Comfort Food, Pasta Recipe