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Delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti topped with melted cheese and herbs.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This rich and cheesy Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting dish featuring tender pasta, hearty meat sauce, and creamy cheese layers, perfect for weeknight dinners and gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat
  • 1 pound Ziti pasta Penne can be used as a substitute.
  • 1 pound Ground beef or Italian sausage A mix of both can also be used.
Sauces and Cheeses
  • 1 jar Marinara sauce Use a jar you genuinely like.
  • 15 ounces Ricotta cheese Cottage cheese can be used as a substitute.
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese Softened for easier mixing.
  • 1 cup Sour cream Adds tang and creaminess.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella cheese Freshly shredded preferred for best results.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese For salty, nutty flavor.
Seasonings and Extras
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • optional Red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, or basil For added flavor.
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Instructions
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti in salted boiling water until slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage with the chopped onion. Once browned, add garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in the marinara sauce and stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the creamy layer.
  6. Layer the dish by adding some meat sauce to the bottom, followed by half the pasta, half the meat sauce, dollops of the creamy mixture, and mozzarella. Repeat the layers finishing with mozzarella on top.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for about 25 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  8. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
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Notes

Do not overcook the pasta. Let the cream cheese soften before mixing. You can assemble in advance and refrigerate, simply adjust bake time if starting from cold.