Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Baked ziti is a beloved dish that embodies the essence of comfort food, effortlessly bringing together the warmth of pasta, the richness of cheese, and the heartiness of a savory sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family meal, baked ziti has earned its place in kitchens across the country. But what sets "Million Dollar Baked Ziti" apart from the classic version? This indulgent twist elevates the traditional recipe into a truly luxurious dish that will have your guests raving about every bite.

Discover the secret to an unforgettable meal with this Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe! Elevating comfort food to a whole new level, this indulgent version features high-quality ingredients and a creamy texture that will have everyone raving. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy gatherings, learn how to create a delicious and satisfying dish that's rich in flavor and easy to make. Share the joy of cooking and savor every bite! #BakedZiti #ComfortFood #ItalianRecipes #Foodie #DinnerInspiration #PastaLove

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Ingredients

1 pound ziti pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (preferably homemade or high-quality)

1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese

1 large egg

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Brown Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.

Combine Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes to combine flavors.

Mix Ricotta: In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with the large egg, half of the Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined.

Layer the Dish: In a large baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Layer half of the cooked ziti on top, followed by half of the ricotta mixture. Top with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat sauce, ziti, ricotta, and finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese and the remaining Parmesan cheese.

Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 6-8