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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A thick, cheesy slice of million dollar baked ziti with a browned, bubbly top, served on a white plate.
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This recipe delivers an exceptionally rich and decadent baked ziti, loaded with multiple cheeses and savory meat sauce, making it a luxurious and crowd-pleasing Italian casserole.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off excess fat.
  4. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined. This is your creamy cheese layer.
  7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with about two-thirds of the meat sauce. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly.
  8. Spread half of the sauced pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  9. Dollop half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer. Sprinkle with 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
  10. Top with the remaining sauced pasta mixture. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over this layer.
  11. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the top layer of pasta. Sprinkle evenly with the remaining 3 cups of mozzarella cheese and a final dusting of Parmesan cheese.
  12. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
  13. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For an even richer flavor, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage in the sauce.
  • You can assemble this entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate. Add about 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
  • Use whole milk ricotta for the creamiest texture; it makes a difference in this luxurious dish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-recipe/