Name: Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti or penne pasta; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups marinara or pasta sauce; 8 oz cream cheese or 1 cup sour cream; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided); 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked ziti takes everything you love about lasagna and simplifies it with no-fuss layering and bold flavor. The “million dollar” touch comes from the creamy cheese mixture—typically made with cream cheese or sour cream—that adds a decadent texture and richness to every bite. It’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that’s easy to assemble and even easier to devour.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ziti or penne pasta
Ground beef or Italian sausage
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Marinara or pasta sauce
Cream cheese or sour cream
Ricotta cheese
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sausage with chopped onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5–10 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese (or sour cream), half the mozzarella, and a bit of Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Add a few spoonfuls of sauce to the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce.
Repeat the layers: pasta, cheese mixture, meat sauce.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.

Servings and timing

Serves: 8–10
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use spicy Italian sausage for a little kick.
Add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the cheese layer for extra veggies.
Swap ricotta with cottage cheese for a lighter version.
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Make it meatless by skipping the meat and using a chunky veggie sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This dish also freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Why is it called “Million Dollar” Baked Ziti?

Because it’s extra rich and creamy from the cheese mixture—giving it an indulgent, luxurious taste and texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Can I freeze baked ziti before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble fully, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

What type of pasta works best?

Ziti is classic, but penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy tube-shaped pasta will work.

What cheese makes it “million dollar”?

Cream cheese or sour cream combined with ricotta creates a super creamy, decadent layer that elevates the dish.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added for more flavor and nutrition.

How do I keep the cheese from burning?

Cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. Remove foil during the last 10–15 minutes for browning.

Can I use jarred sauce?

Yes, a good-quality store-bought marinara works well and saves time.

What meat should I use?

Ground beef, Italian sausage, or a mix of both are great options.

Do I need to cook the pasta all the way?

Cook it just until al dente—it will continue to soften as it bakes.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a cheesy, meaty, flavor-packed casserole that transforms humble ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding a large group, prepping meals for the week, or simply craving comfort food, this ziti delivers rich flavor and creamy indulgence in every bite.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

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Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty pasta casserole layered with rich meat sauce and a decadent cheese mixture. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this dish combines the best of lasagna and baked pasta in one indulgent pan.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook beef or sausage with onion over medium heat until browned. Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer 5–10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix ricotta, cream cheese (or sour cream), half the mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper.
Spoon a little sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the pasta, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce.
Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.
Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or basil.

Notes

Cook pasta just until al dente since it will soften more in the oven.
For extra heat, use spicy Italian sausage.
Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for more veggies.
Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Freezes well for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before baking or reheating.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 510
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 940mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 95mg