Description
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!
Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.
Ingredients
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
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.
Notes
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
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: Italian-American