Million Dollar Baked Ziti (Print Version)

Penne pasta layered with seasoned ground beef and sauce, creamy cheese mixture, and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Meat Sauce

01 - 1.5 pounds ground beef
02 - 1/2 yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 tablespoon minced garlic
04 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
10 - 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce

→ For the Creamy Cheese Mixture

11 - 1/2 block cream cheese, softened
12 - 1/2 cup sour cream
13 - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
14 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ For Assembly

15 - 12 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
16 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
17 - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)

# Instructions:

01 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and ground beef. Cook until no pink is visible in the meat, breaking it up as it cooks.
02 - Drain off the excess grease and return the meat to the skillet. Add the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings with the meat.
03 - Add the jar of spaghetti sauce, the jar of Alfredo sauce, and the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined. Set aside.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 1 cup Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Use a hand mixer to combine everything until smooth and well blended.
05 - In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread about half of the pasta mixture evenly on the bottom.
06 - Spread the creamy cheese mixture evenly over the pasta layer.
07 - Add the remaining pasta mixture as the final layer, spreading it out evenly.
08 - Top the casserole with 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese.
09 - Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
10 - Allow the baked ziti to rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to scoop out clean portions!

# Notes:

01 - This Million Dollar Baked Ziti truly lives up to its name with the combination of spaghetti sauce, Alfredo sauce, and multiple cheeses!
02 - The creamy cheese mixture layer in the middle adds incredible richness and texture to this dish.
03 - Using both spaghetti sauce and Alfredo sauce creates a perfect balance of savory and creamy flavors.
04 - The hand mixer ensures the cream cheese mixture is completely smooth and well combined, preventing lumps.
05 - Don't skip the 10-minute rest time - it allows the casserole to firm up so you can serve it in clean, distinct portions.
06 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

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