Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re craving pure, bubbling comfort food that feels just a little bit luxurious, look no further than this Million Dollar Baked Ziti. Imagine pasta wrapped in a creamy, three-cheese embrace, tangled with tangy marinara and hearty ground beef, all under a golden blanket of melted mozzarella and parmesan. It’s deeply satisfying, wonderfully easy, and has a knack for stealing the spotlight at family dinners or potlucks. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just in need of an irresistible, cheesy pick-me-up, this is the dish that will have everyone saying: “More, please!”

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Million Dollar Baked Ziti plays a starring role, coming together for pure pasta magic. These pantry favorites and fresh touches work in harmony to load each bite with flavor, creaminess, and that oven-baked wow factor.

• Ziti pasta: The classic shape lets sauce and cheese cling to every bite for the perfect texture.
• Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds hearty, savory flavor — pick sausage for a little extra zing!
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jar or homemade for a rich, tangy tomato base.
• Cream cheese (softened): Delivers a velvety, ultra-creamy layer that’s the secret to “million dollar” richness.
• Sour cream: Lends tang and keeps the cheesy layer light and silky.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds classic Italian creaminess — swap for cottage cheese if you prefer a lighter texture.
• Egg: Binds the cheese mixture for scoopable, irresistible layers.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into stringy, cheesy perfection on every forkful.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick that toasts beautifully in the oven.
• Italian seasoning: That signature blend of herbs brings warmth and aroma to the whole dish.
• Garlic powder: Deepens the flavor — a little goes a long way for that classic Italian flair.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.
• Chopped parsley (optional): The perfect fresh, colorful finish right before serving.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pasta

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your ziti to al dente, following the package directions. You want it to have a slight bite since it’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set it aside, but don’t rinse — the sauce will cling better!

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook your ground beef or Italian sausage until it’s fully browned and crumbly. Break it up as it cooks for that perfect bite-sized pieces throughout. Once it’s no longer pink, drain any extra fat to keep things hearty but not greasy.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Return the cooked meat to the pan and stir in your marinara sauce. Let it bubble gently for five minutes. This simmers the flavors together and thickens everything just enough for those gorgeous ziti layers.

Step 4: Make the Dreamy Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until completely smooth — this step is what takes Million Dollar Baked Ziti from good to unforgettable creamy.

Step 5: Layer and Build

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then spread just a thin layer of your meat sauce across the bottom. Scatter half the cooked ziti over the sauce. Next comes all that dreamy cheese mixture, spread evenly so every corner gets a creamy surprise. Layer on half the remaining meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat with the rest of the ziti, drizzle over the final meat sauce, then top with the remaining mozzarella and all of the parmesan.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish snugly with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking another 10-15 minutes, until it’s gorgeously golden and bubbling at the edges. Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving — this helps everything set and makes every slice beautiful.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes

Scatter a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley over the hot ziti right before serving. The bright green gives a fresh lift and a pop of color, making that creamy-cheesy top layer even more irresistible.

Side Dishes

Million Dollar Baked Ziti pairs beautifully with a crisp Caesar salad or a simple mixed greens salad to cut through all that glorious richness. Add some garlic bread or a crusty baguette for mopping up the extra sauce, and you’ve got a complete Italian-inspired feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Switch things up by baking the ziti in individual ramekins for a dinner-party-ready presentation, or scoop portions into mugs for a cozy, casual gathering. For family gatherings, serve right from the dish on a trivet at the table, letting everyone dig in family-style — it’s truly comfort food meant to be shared.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors only get better as they mingle over time.

Freezing

This dish is a freezer superstar! Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe baking dish (just before baking), wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to bake, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the leftovers with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot through (about 30 minutes for a full pan, or 10-15 minutes for individual portions). For a quick fix, the microwave works fine, but the oven keeps that top nice and toasty.

FAQs

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground meat for plant-based crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or a medley of roasted veggies. Just be sure to drain extra liquid from the vegetables so your layers stay rich and not watery.

What’s the best way to keep the cheese sauce extra creamy?

The winning trick is to make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and blended smoothly with the other cheeses and sour cream. Don’t skip the egg—this helps create that luscious, scoopable middle with every bite.

Can I use penne or another pasta shape?

Definitely! Penne or rigatoni work beautifully in place of ziti. Just aim for a sturdy, tubular pasta so the sauce clings well. Avoid thin or delicate shapes that might not hold up in the oven.

Do I have to use both mozzarella and parmesan?

While both bring different delicious qualities—melty stretch from mozzarella and a toasty, salty finish from parmesan—you can adjust if needed. If you only have one, just use extra, or try adding a bit of provolone or fontina for new flavor twists.

Can I assemble Million Dollar Baked Ziti in advance?

Yes, and it’s actually a great option for entertaining! Simply layer the dish as directed, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a lifesaver for busy schedules or make-ahead meal planning.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you get a chance to make this Million Dollar Baked Ziti and savor just how special and comforting every layer can be. Whether it’s a weeknight family table or a potluck with friends, you can count on this dish for big smiles and full plates. You’ll be dreaming about that creamy-cheesy sauce long after the last bite!

Print