There's something magical about the first bite of Million Dollar Baked Ziti—creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor. It's the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave comfort food.

I remember the first time I made this dish for a family gathering. I was nervous about whether everyone would like it, but it quickly became the star of the table. Now, it's a go-to recipe that’s always met with smiles and requests for seconds.
Let me walk you through why this dish earns its "million-dollar" name and how you can make it a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make. Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate crowd-pleaser with layers of cheesy, saucy goodness.
- Unbeatable Flavor: This recipe combines three types of cheese, rich marinara, and perfectly cooked pasta for a dish that tastes like it came from an upscale Italian restaurant.
- Easy to Make: Despite its luxurious taste, it’s simple to prepare. With a few straightforward steps, you can create a masterpiece that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Whether you’re meal-prepping or planning for a party, this ziti can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed.
- Feeds a Crowd: With generous portions and rich layers, this dish can easily serve 8-10 people, making it perfect for gatherings or leftovers.
Once you make this, you’ll see why it’s worth every bit of its "million-dollar" reputation.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. Each component contributes to the dish’s rich, comforting flavor and texture.
- Ziti Pasta: The foundation of the dish, ziti holds the sauce beautifully. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes. Cook the pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when baked.
- Marinara Sauce: Use a high-quality jarred marinara or make your own. The sauce is the backbone of the dish, so pick one with a robust, rich flavor.
- Ricotta Cheese: This creamy layer adds a luxurious texture. For a lighter option, you can substitute part-skim ricotta or cottage cheese.
- Cream Cheese: This is the “secret” ingredient that elevates the dish to the million-dollar level, making the cheese mixture extra creamy.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts into gooey perfection, providing that irresistible cheesy pull with every bite.
- Ground Beef or Sausage: Adding ground beef or Italian sausage gives the dish a hearty, savory element. Use lean ground beef or sweet Italian sausage for the best flavor balance.
Equipment Needed: A 9x13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe, along with a large skillet and mixing bowls for assembly.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creating this indulgent dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps to bring this family favorite to life.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package instructions, leaving it slightly al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in your marinara sauce. Simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
- Layer the Dish: Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce in the baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture. Spread the cheese layer evenly, then repeat the layers, finishing with a generous topping of shredded mozzarella.
- Bake to Perfection: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the ziti sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.
Total prep and cook time is around 50 minutes, making this an easy option for weeknights or entertaining.
Storage Options
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake a larger portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezer: Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Reheating Tips: To maintain the creamy texture, cover the dish with foil when reheating and add a splash of marinara sauce if it seems dry.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of Million Dollar Baked Ziti is its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the ground beef or sausage and add sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the ziti for gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check that your marinara sauce is also gluten-free.
- Extra Cheesy: Add a layer of parmesan cheese between the layers for even more cheesy goodness.
- Healthier Version: Use ground turkey or chicken, part-skim cheeses, and whole-grain pasta for a lighter take on the classic.
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors—this dish is incredibly forgiving and always delicious!
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is more than just a meal; it’s an experience of warmth, comfort, and indulgence. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone coming back for more.
Make it today, and let the magic unfold in your kitchen!
PrintMillion Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with layers of pasta, creamy cheese, flavorful meat sauce, and baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef or sausage with garlic until browned. Drain excess grease and stir in marinara sauce.
- In a large bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, half the Parmesan, and Italian seasoning.
- Layer the dish: spread half the pasta, then half the cheese mixture, then half the meat sauce. Repeat layers and top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or a vegetarian meat substitute for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of the dish
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
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