Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

There's nothing quite like Million Dollar Baked Ziti to bring comfort and joy to the dinner table. This decadent dish combines layers of tender pasta, gooey cheese, and a rich, savory meat sauce, creating a meal that feels indulgent enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe when hosting a potluck and wanted something hearty that could feed a crowd. It was an instant hit, with everyone asking for the recipe! Packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and totally satisfying, this dish has become a family staple. Let me show you how to make it!

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for crowd-pleasing dinners. Million Dollar Baked Ziti is packed with irresistible flavors and textures that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

This dish is a time-saver for busy cooks. While it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, the prep work is simple and can be done in stages, making it perfect for meal planning or entertaining.

It's a budget-friendly recipe with luxurious results. Using affordable ingredients like ziti, marinara, and ricotta, you can create a dish that feels as indulgent as its name suggests—without breaking the bank.

What makes this recipe truly special is the layers of flavor. Between the creamy cheese mixture, perfectly cooked pasta, and hearty meat sauce, every bite is a delicious combination of textures and tastes.

This baked ziti is also highly versatile. Whether you want to make it vegetarian, use a different type of protein, or swap in gluten-free pasta, there’s plenty of room for creativity and customization.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its carefully chosen ingredients, each contributing to its signature richness and flavor.

Ziti pasta is the foundation of this dish. Its tubular shape holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni work well as substitutes.

Ground beef and Italian sausage form the base of the meat sauce, adding depth and savoriness. The combination of the two proteins creates a robust flavor, but you can use one or the other depending on your preference.

Marinara sauce ties the dish together with its rich tomato flavor. A high-quality store-bought sauce works perfectly, but if you have a homemade version, this is the time to show it off.

Ricotta cheese is the secret to the creamy layers in this baked ziti. Mixing it with cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded mozzarella ensures a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Parmesan cheese provides a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Freshly grated is ideal, as it melts better and enhances the dish's overall taste.

To make this recipe, you’ll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling the pasta, and a 9x13-inch baking dish for layering and baking.

How To Make This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creating this mouthwatering baked ziti is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly layered, cheesy masterpiece.

Start by cooking your ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook until al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef and Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat and stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes to develop the flavors.

In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the shredded mozzarella. This creamy mixture is what gives the ziti its "million-dollar" texture.

Now, it’s time to layer. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous topping of the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Bake the ziti in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

The total time from start to finish is just under an hour, making it an ideal dish for busy evenings or when hosting guests.

Storage Options

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is just as good the next day, making it perfect for leftovers. Store any remaining ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

If you want to prepare it ahead of time, assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time.

This dish also freezes beautifully. Wrap the unbaked ziti tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Reheating is easy—just pop individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Variations and Substitutions

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a versatile recipe that can be tailored to your taste or dietary needs.

For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for a hearty, plant-based option.

Swap out the ground beef and sausage for ground turkey or chicken if you prefer lighter proteins. You could also use plant-based meat for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

If you’re looking to cut back on dairy, substitute the ricotta and cream cheese with dairy-free versions. There are plenty of excellent plant-based cheeses available that melt and taste just as delicious.

Experiment with different cheeses to create your own flavor profile. Add sharp cheddar, fontina, or gouda for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

For a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the recipe remains the same, ensuring everyone can enjoy this indulgent meal.

No matter how you customize it, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Try it tonight, and get ready to add a new favorite to your recipe collection!

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