There's something magical about the first bite of Million Dollar Baked Ziti. The creamy, cheesy layers blend perfectly with the rich marinara, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to potluck parties.
The first time I made this, I couldn’t believe how quickly it disappeared from the table. Even the pickiest eaters went back for seconds, which is always a win in my book. Let's dive into the details and see why this recipe deserves a place in your rotation.
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Get ready to fall in love with a baked pasta dish that delivers big on flavor and ease. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti truly lives up to its name.
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep and a simple assembly process, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you still want a hearty, home-cooked meal.
Second, the layers of creamy ricotta and gooey mozzarella combined with marinara and al dente ziti create the ultimate comfort food. Each bite is packed with the perfect mix of textures and flavors.
Third, it’s an ideal recipe for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. You can make it ahead, freeze it, and pop it in the oven when needed. It's versatile and forgiving, making it nearly foolproof.
Finally, this recipe adapts to various preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're adding extra veggies, swapping the protein, or using gluten-free pasta, it works beautifully with whatever you have on hand.
Ingredients Notes

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti comes together with simple, everyday ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in the final dish. Let’s break it down.
The ziti pasta forms the base of the dish. Cook it to al dente for the best texture, as it will continue cooking in the oven. You can substitute penne or rigatoni if needed.
The ricotta cheese layer is where the magic happens. Mixing it with cream cheese and sour cream creates a luxuriously creamy texture that takes this ziti to the next level. If you prefer a lighter version, you can use part-skim ricotta.
Marinara sauce is the heart of the dish. Use your favorite jarred sauce, or make your own if you have time. A well-seasoned sauce ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.
For the protein, ground beef or Italian sausage adds a savory depth. You can use one or a combination of both, or even substitute with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version.
Finally, don’t skimp on the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. These cheeses melt into gooey perfection, creating that irresistible cheesy topping.
You'll also need a baking dish, a large skillet, and a pot for boiling the pasta.
How To Make This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Making this baked ziti is straightforward, and the payoff is well worth the effort. Let’s go step by step.
Start by boiling the ziti in a large pot of salted water. Cook it until just al dente, then drain and set aside. While the pasta cooks, preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess grease and stir in the marinara sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to combine the flavors.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. This creamy mixture will form one of the key layers in the ziti.
To assemble, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of a greased baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
From start to finish, this dish takes about an hour, but most of that time is hands-off. It’s well worth the wait!
Storage Options
Million Dollar Baked Ziti stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
To refrigerate, allow the ziti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For freezing, assemble the ziti as directed but do not bake it. Cover the dish tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed.
Reheating is easy. For single servings, use the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep the pasta moist. For larger portions, cover the dish with foil and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Here are some ideas to inspire you.
For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and load up on sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach. They add texture and flavor without needing to change the overall process.
If you prefer a spicier dish, use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.
For a gluten-free option, simply swap out the ziti for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Want a lighter version? Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and opt for part-skim cheese.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, like provolone or fontina, for a unique twist. The beauty of this dish lies in its flexibility.
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the kind of recipe that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re making it for your family or bringing it to a gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress. Get ready to watch it disappear!
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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe features a rich combination of pasta, cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce, baked to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Layer the baking dish:
- Spread half the cooked ziti.
- Add a layer of the ricotta mixture.
- Spoon half the meat sauce over it.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Repeat the layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, substitute part of the ricotta with cream cheese.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
- Can be prepared ahead of time and baked later.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of recipe
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
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