MILLION DOLLAR BAKED ZITI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIqavnCAs7o

MILLION DOLLAR BAKED ZITI

INGREDIENTS

1Pound box of Ziti

2 Pounds of Ground Beef

1 45-ounce Jar of Spaghetti Sauce

1 – 16-ounce Can of Petitte Tomatoes

1 Medium Onion Powder (Chopped)

1 Green Bell Pepper (Chopped)

 1 8-ounce carton Mushrooms

1 Pack of Thick & Zesty Spaghetti Season (McCormick)

7 Cloves of Garlic (pressed or minced)

1/2 Cup of Grated Parmesan Cheese

1 Teaspoon Onion Powder

1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Pound of Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)

CREAM SAUCE

4- ounces of fresh grated Parmesan cheese

8 ounces of Cream Cheese (whipped or block)

1 Cup of Heavy Cream

1 Cup of Milk

3/4 Stick of Butter

1 Tablespoon of Garlic Paste

Salt & Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

Preheat Oven 375F

Cook Ziti per package directions for Al dente

Brown ground beef on all sides until no longer pink (drain if needed)

And Onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, cook for about 3 minutes, then add garlic and cook for about 1 more minute.

Next add in Onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt & pepper to taste. Add pasta sauce and petite tomatoes, stir to combine.  Next add spaghetti seasoning packet and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Blend well, cover and cook for 15 minutes, turn burner off and remove from heat.

MAKE WHITE SAUCE

In a small saucepan, add heavy cream and milk until hot

Add cream cheese, and parmesan, cook on medium heat until cheese melts and sauce begin to thicken. Add salt & pepper to taste.  Pour white sauce over ziti noodles and blend until all pasta is covered with sauce.

ASSEMBLE

In 13x9 casserole dish, pour half the ziti noodles in bottom of dish, then add pasta sauce, and spread over ziti and add shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, repeat with the rest of the ziti noodles, pasta sauce, and mozzarella cheese, sprinkle with fresh parsley, then bake uncovered at 375F for 30-35 minutes until cheese is slightly brown and bubbly.  Enjoy!