Million Dollar Baked Ziti

If you’re craving a rich, cheesy, and ultra-comforting pasta dish, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate family-style meal. With layers of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese filling, it’s the kind of dish that earns its name by tasting like a million bucks—even though it’s made with everyday ingredients!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Creamy – Layers of ricotta, sour cream, and cheese
Family Favorite – Kid-approved and perfect for feeding a crowd
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble now and bake later
Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day
Customizable – Use your favorite sauce, meat, or pasta type

Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb ziti pasta
1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 egg
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for the cheese mixture)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for pasta
Large skillet for meat sauce
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula or spoon
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the ziti in salted water until al dente according to package instructions.
Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until browned.
Drain excess fat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, egg, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the 9×13-inch baking dish.
Layer half the cooked pasta over the sauce.
Spread all of the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta.
Add half the remaining meat sauce.
Top with the rest of the pasta and then the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle the remaining 2 cups of mozzarella and the Parmesan evenly on top.

Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Cook Pasta Al Dente – It will finish cooking in the oven
Let It Rest – Resting helps the layers set for easier slicing
Use Good-Quality Sauce – A flavorful marinara makes a big difference
Soften the Cream Cheese – Blends better into the creamy filling
Double for a Crowd – Easily scale the recipe for a larger group

Serving Suggestions
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Green salad with vinaigrette
Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli
Sparkling water with lemon

Perfect for:
Family dinners
Meal prepping
Potlucks and gatherings
Freezer meals

How to Store & Reheat
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze: Wrap unbaked or baked ziti tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
Reheat: Bake covered at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use penne instead of ziti?
Yes, any tube-shaped pasta works well.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Omit the meat and add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes, for a lighter version with a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, meaty, and satisfying. It’s an easy make-ahead meal that never fails to impress, whether you’re feeding your family or hosting guests. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s called “million dollar”—rich in flavor and guaranteed to be a hit!

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Baked Ziti turns out.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 30g | Carbohydrates: 38g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 850mg

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