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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Million Dollar Baked Ziti Delight

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that transforms gatherings into cozy celebrations with rich flavors.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 580
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 box Ziti Pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use any vegetable oil as a substitute.
  • 1 medium Onion Yellow onion preferred.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh minced garlic is best.
  • 1 pound Ground Beef/Sausage Can substitute with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
  • 2 cups Marinara Sauce Store-bought or homemade.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Can substitute with cottage cheese.
  • 1 large Egg Can omit or replace with flaxseed mixture.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Grana Padano is a good substitute.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Use any melty cheese or vegan cheese blend.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Baking Dish
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cook ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  4. Add ground beef or sausage to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; mix until smooth.
  6. Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the meat sauce. Repeat layers.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For a crispy topping, broil for a couple of minutes before serving.

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