Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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A crowd-pleasing cheesy pasta casserole that combines browned meat, tangy marinara, creamy ricotta, and a golden mozzarella crust.

Scale

12 oz ziti pasta (penne or fusilli can be used)
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles)
24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded whole milk mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
2 tsp Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

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Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the ziti in well-salted boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the meat and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the marinara sauce, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes.
Combine ricotta with a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing bowl.
Fold the drained pasta into the meat sauce until coated.
Spread half of the saucy pasta into the prepared dish and dot with half of the ricotta mixture. Sprinkle with one cup of mozzarella.
Layer the remaining pasta on top, add the remaining ricotta, and finish with the last cup of mozzarella and the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan.
Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving and garnish with torn basil and crushed red pepper flakes.

If your marinara is watery, simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to concentrate flavor. For richness, stir a tablespoon of olive oil into the ricotta.

Find it online: https://www.simplefamilydishes.com/million-dollar-baked-ziti-2/