Million Dollar Venison Baked Ziti

A hearty, cheesy baked ziti made with seasoned ground venison, rich marinara sauce,homemade Parmesan Alfredo, and layers of melted mozzarella. This wild game twist on a million-dollar classic is the ultimate comfort food!

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6–8

Ingredients:

Venison Meat Sauce

• 1 lb ground venison
• 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
• 24 oz marinara or pasta sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 12 oz (about 3 cups) dry Rigatoni or Ziti pasta

Parmesan Alfredo Sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Black pepper, to tasteFor Assembly
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley, to garnish, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente, about 1–2 minutesless than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground venison andcook until just browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onionpowder, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Stir in marinarasauce and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the cooked ziti to the venison sauce and stir until evenly coated. Remove from theheat.
5. In a separate saucepan over low heat, melt butter. Stir in heavy cream and bring to agentle simmer. Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until melted andsmooth. Stir in garlic powder and black pepper. Keep the heat low and avoid boiling.
6. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the venison pasta mixture into thebottom. Sprinkle with 1 cup mozzarella. Pour the Parmesan Alfredo sauce evenly overthe pasta. Add the remaining venison pasta mixture and finish with the remainingmozzarella.
7. Bake uncovered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, andlightly golden.
8. Let the baked ziti rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.