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- 1 pound ziti pasta - 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix) - 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce - 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese For the Million Dollar Baked Ziti, quality matters. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. Ziti pasta is the star of this dish. It holds the sauce well and gives a great bite. Ground beef or Italian sausage adds rich flavor. A mix of both can make it even better. Marinara sauce brings everything together, while ricotta cheese adds creaminess. The mozzarella and Parmesan create that lovely, bubbly cheese layer on top. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Fresh basil for garnish - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning You can customize your baked ziti with a few add-ins. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce. Fresh basil is a great garnish for color and flavor. Italian seasoning adds depth and warmth. These optional ingredients can enhance your ziti experience. - Large pot - Skillet - Baking dish - Mixing bowl - Aluminum foil Before you start cooking, gather your kitchen tools. A large pot is vital for boiling the pasta. A skillet helps cook your meat and sauce. Use a baking dish to layer your ziti. A mixing bowl is great for combining ingredients. Aluminum foil is needed to cover the dish while it bakes. Having these tools ready makes the process smooth and easy. For the full recipe, check out the details above. - Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). - Cook ziti pasta until al dente. Start by preheating your oven. A hot oven helps the ziti cook evenly. Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook it just until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and let it cool for a bit. - Sauté onion and garlic. - Brown the ground meat. - Mix in marinara and ricotta. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and stir for one more minute. Next, add the ground beef or Italian sausage. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until it's brown. This usually takes about 7 to 10 minutes. If there's too much fat, drain it off. After that, pour in the marinara sauce and add the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then mix it all well. - Combine pasta with sauce mixture. - Layer in baking dish with cheeses. - Cover and bake. Grab a large mixing bowl and add the cooked ziti. Pour the rich sauce mixture over the pasta. Stir gently to coat every piece in that delicious sauce. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Spread half of the ziti mixture in the bottom. Now, sprinkle half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan on top. Add the rest of the ziti mixture and finish with the remaining cheeses. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden brown. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To make your baked ziti truly shine, use a mix of cheeses. I love combining mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. Each cheese adds its unique flavor and texture. For a creamier sauce, mix ricotta with a splash of milk before adding it to the marinara. This simple trick makes the dish richer and more inviting. Want to make a vegetarian version? Swap the meat for vegetables! Try using sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also add spinach for more nutrients. For cheese, consider using plant-based options. These alternatives melt well and taste great, ensuring everyone can enjoy this meal. Pair your Million Dollar Baked Ziti with a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp Caesar salad offers a nice contrast to the warm ziti. For upscale events, serve the ziti in individual portions. This adds a touch of elegance and makes serving easy. You can even garnish each plate with fresh basil for that gourmet look. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. Enjoy creating your own comforting family feast! {{image_4}} For those who crave more meat, consider adding pancetta or prosciutto. These cured meats bring a salty and rich flavor to your baked ziti. You can also mix in ground turkey or chicken if you want to lighten it up. The key is to combine flavors that complement the marinara sauce. To give your ziti a gourmet twist, drizzle truffle oil on top before serving. Truffle oil adds a rich aroma that elevates the dish. You can also experiment with unique cheeses. Try using goat cheese or Gruyère for a different taste. If you want to switch it up even more, consider a white sauce version. Make a creamy béchamel sauce instead of using marinara. This adds a new layer of flavor to your dish. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free pasta. Many types are now available and cook just like regular pasta. For those avoiding dairy, there are several dairy-free cheese alternatives on the market. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can mix these alternatives into your baked ziti without losing taste. For the full recipe, check out Million Dollar Baked Ziti. After enjoying your Million Dollar Baked Ziti, let it cool down. Use an airtight container to store your leftovers in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Aim to eat the leftovers within 3 to 5 days for the best flavor. When reheating, you can use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil to keep it moist, and heat for about 20 minutes. If using a microwave, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. You can freeze baked ziti before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish and cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. This protects it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight. If freezing after baking, let it cool first. Then cut it into portions and place each in a freezer-safe container. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap and foil. This helps keep it fresh for up to 3 months. Baked ziti lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. Look for mold, an off smell, or a change in texture. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to toss it out. When stored properly, you can enjoy this hearty dish multiple times! Yes, you can prep Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time. This saves time on busy days. 1. Cook the pasta: Follow the recipe, but stop before baking. 2. Assemble: Layer the pasta, meat sauce, and cheese in the dish. 3. Cover: Use plastic wrap or foil to cover the dish tightly. 4. Chill: Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. 5. Bake: When ready, remove the cover and bake as directed. Add a few extra minutes if cold. Reheating baked ziti can keep it tasty. Here are some tips: - Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ziti in an oven-safe dish. - Cover: Use foil to cover the dish. This keeps moisture in. - Heat: Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Check that it’s hot all the way through. - Microwave: For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. Yes, you can switch the pasta for a different kind. Here are some good options: - Penne: This shape holds sauce well and is fun to eat. - Fusilli: The twists catch sauce and cheese nicely. - Rigatoni: Larger tubes add a hearty bite to the dish. Feel free to try your favorite pasta! This allows for personal taste. The full recipe provides clear steps to help you create a delicious meal. Baked Ziti is a crowd-pleaser with its rich flavors and warm texture. We explored the best ingredients, from ziti pasta to flavorful sauces and cheeses. I shared steps to prep, bake, and serve this dish. Remember to mix cheeses for the perfect layer. Whether you use meat or go vegetarian, baked ziti adapts well. Store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. As you gather family and friends, this dish will surely impress. Your cooking adventure with baked ziti can be fun and fulfilling. Enjoy every bite!

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Indulge in the cheesy delight of Million Dollar Baked Ziti that everyone will love! This comforting recipe combines tender ziti pasta, savory ground meat, and a creamy marinara sauce topped with bubbling mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover the step-by-step guide and serve up a slice of deliciousness tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ziti pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)

1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce

1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for your delicious ziti.

    Cook the Ziti Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.

      Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent and soft. Add the minced garlic and stir for an additional minute until the aroma fills your kitchen.

        Brown the Meat: Now, add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the skillet. Use a spatula to break the meat apart and cook it until browned and completely cooked through, usually around 7-10 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it off to keep your dish rich, not greasy.

          Mix in the Saucy Goodness: In the skillet, pour in the marinara sauce and add the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is creamy and inviting.

            Combine with Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked ziti pasta and pour the rich sauce mixture over it. Gently stir until all the pasta is coated evenly, ensuring every piece is swathed in that delicious mixture.

              Layer in the Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Spread half of the ziti and sauce mixture evenly in the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle about half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan over this layer. Pour the remaining ziti mixture on top and finish off with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.

                Bake It Up: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is delightfully bubbly and golden brown on top.

                  Garnish and Serve: Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to set. If desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor before serving hot.

                    - Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: Serves 6-8

                      - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching presentation, serve the baked ziti in individual portions, garnished with a sprig of basil and a light drizzle of olive oil for shine. Enjoy this comforting classic with a side salad for a complete meal!