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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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πŸ§€ Million Dollar Baked Ziti features a rich, cheesy, and hearty pasta baked with savory Italian sausage and creamy cheese blend.
🍝 This comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or meal prep, offering layers of flavor and gooey mozzarella goodness.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

– 1 lb ziti pasta

– 1ΒΌ lb Italian sausage, casings removed

– 2 (24-oz) jars spaghetti sauce

– 1Β½ cups cottage cheese

– 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, room temperature

– Β½ cup sour cream

– 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

– 2 large eggs

Instructions

1-First, preheat your oven to 350Β°F and spray a 9Γ—13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This sets the stage for a perfect bake. Then, cook 1 lb ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, drain it, and set it aside. You’ll love how the pasta holds all that yummy sauce!

2-Next, brown 1ΒΌ lb Italian sausage in a skillet until it’s no longer pink, then drain the fat. Add 2 (24-oz) jars spaghetti sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. This creates a flavorful base that’s the heart of the dish. Stir in the cooked pasta and mix with the cheese blend.

3-In a large bowl, combine 1Β½ cups cottage cheese, 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese, Β½ cup sour cream, 2 large eggs, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently fold in the meat sauce and pasta for an even mix. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 2 cups shredded mozzarella.

4-Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and garnish with parsley or fresh basil if you like. This dish is versatile too adjust for dietary needs as mentioned earlier.

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Notes

🌭 Substitute Italian sausage with ground beef, turkey, breakfast sausage, or turkey sausage.
πŸ₯« Use a good quality marinara sauce for best flavor.
πŸ₯› Cottage cheese adds creaminess but ricotta can be used as an alternative.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish, Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Contains Dairy and Meat

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving