Name: Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 24 oz marinara sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk), divided; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is truly the ultimate comfort food, loaded with creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, savory marinara, and just the right amount of Italian seasoning. Every layer promises a blanket of cheesy goodness, making even an ordinary weeknight dinner feel like a celebration. Whether you’re craving a cozy, bubbling casserole for the family or planning a hearty main for guests, this dish checks every box—simple to assemble, outrageously satisfying, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti are straightforward but each one carries real punch—contributing to the rich flavor, creamy texture, and that classic golden top we all crave. It’s the combination that takes this familiar pasta bake into “million dollar” territory and makes it irresistible to anyone lucky enough to snag a serving.

Ziti pasta: This sturdy tube-shaped pasta holds up beautifully to all those luscious layers and soaks in just the right amount of sauce.
Ground beef or Italian sausage: Pick your favorite for a meaty base—Italian sausage brings extra spice and depth, while beef keeps things classic.
Marinara sauce: A high-quality jar (or your own!) provides sweet, tangy richness and smooths out every layer.
Ricotta cheese (whole milk): The key to that signature creaminess, giving a decadent, velvety texture between every bite.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk): Melts into gooey, stretchy ribbons and creates that beautiful bubbly top everyone loves.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and just the right salty kick to balance all the creaminess.
Italian seasoning: A dash of dried herbs ensures those robust, aromatic flavors in every forkful.
Garlic (minced): Brings warmth and depth, letting savory notes shine without overpowering the dish.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget these essentials for bringing all the flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Ziti

First things first—bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your ziti until it’s just al dente (about 8 to 10 minutes). You want it slightly firm, since it’ll finish cooking while baking. Once done, drain and set it aside. This step keeps the pasta from going mushy and helps every bite hold up under that creamy, cheesy load.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat Sauce

While the pasta cooks, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat and cook it through, then drain off any excess fat so the end result isn’t oily. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—this little detail transforms the sauce! Stir in the marinara and Italian seasoning, then let the whole thing simmer for about 5 minutes to meld those flavors together.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta with half of the shredded mozzarella and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Stir it together until smooth and creamy—this mixture is the not-so-secret reason Million Dollar Baked Ziti feels so indulgent and rich.

Step 4: Layer the Ziti

Now comes the fun part! Grease a large baking dish, then layer in half your cooked ziti. Spoon on half of the meat sauce, followed by large dollops of your creamy ricotta mix. Spread them out a bit (no need for perfection, rustic looks are part of the charm). Repeat with the rest of the pasta, the remaining sauce, and the rest of the cheese mixture.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into your preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 25 minutes to let all the layers settle and meld. Remove the foil, top the casserole with the remaining mozzarella, and return it to the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is golden, melty, and just starting to bubble up at the edges.

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh basil or finely chopped parsley adds color and a lovely pop of freshness to Million Dollar Baked Ziti. If you’re a fan of spice, a dash of crushed red pepper over the top brings a little zing that contrasts the creamy layers perfectly. And don’t forget an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for good measure!

Side Dishes

Pair this ultra-creamy pasta bake with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, or roast off some garlicky broccoli or asparagus to balance things out. Some crusty Italian bread is a must for dunking in any extra sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!

Creative Ways to Present

Million Dollar Baked Ziti can go elegant or casual: scoop generous portions into shallow bowls for cozy family-style dinners, or use a square mold to cut neat, Lasagna-style slices for a dressed-up dinner party. Individual ramekins make adorable, personalized servings if you want to really wow your guests. It reheats beautifully, so leftovers become next-day lunch heroes too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got some extra Million Dollar Baked Ziti? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors become even more pronounced overnight, and everything stays moist thanks to all that creamy cheese. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best quality.

Freezing

This ziti freezes like a dream! For make-ahead magic, assemble the dish (but don’t bake), cover well with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. You can also freeze leftovers after baking—cut into portions and wrap tightly. That way, you’re only ever a quick bake or microwave away from comfort food bliss.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 25 minutes from the fridge or 45 from frozen (add a splash of sauce if things look dry). Individual slices can be popped in the microwave for convenience, though oven reheating preserves that irresistible cheesy crust.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While ziti provides the perfect texture, penne or rigatoni work beautifully in its place. Just pick a sturdy, tube-shaped noodle that can handle all those lovely layers and sauce.

Is there a vegetarian version of Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Definitely! Skip the meat or swap in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted zucchini for a hearty, all-veggie twist. The creamy cheese and marinara base are delicious on their own, so the dish still feels complete.

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the whole casserole a day in advance, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit out at room temperature while the oven heats, and add a few extra minutes to the bake time. Easy make-ahead meals for the win!

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

In a pinch, cottage cheese blended until smooth can stand in for ricotta, keeping the dish creamy. Cream cheese (mixed with a little milk) is another tasty substitute that brings a silky texture and tang.

How do I keep the cheese topping from sticking to the foil?

To avoid losing any of that gorgeous mozzarella topping, lightly spray the underside of your foil with cooking spray before covering. Or, tent the foil so it doesn’t touch the cheese directly—either option works like a charm.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for pure, crowd-pleasing comfort in a casserole dish, Million Dollar Baked Ziti absolutely delivers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying—plus, it’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for sharing. Give it a try and you’ll see why we can never resist going back for seconds!