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Million Dollar Baked Ziti: An Incredible Recipe to Impress

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Ingredients

– 1 pound ziti pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
– 1 can (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
5. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
6. Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes.
7. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
8. Layer half of the pasta mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce mixture.
9. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
10. Add the remaining pasta mixture, followed by the rest of the meat sauce and finally top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
13. Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

These steps will help you create a delicious Million Dollar Baked Ziti that’s sure to impress.

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