There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Million Dollar Baked Ziti bubbling away in the oven. This creamy, cheesy pasta bake is a showstopper for family dinners and potlucks alike, combining layers of tender pasta, rich marinara, and a heavenly cheese mixture.
I discovered this recipe during a family reunion, where it quickly became the most requested dish on the table. With its perfect balance of hearty flavors and creamy textures, it's no wonder this baked ziti feels like a million bucks. Let’s dive in and explore why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner rotation.
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Get ready to experience your new go-to comfort food. Million Dollar Baked Ziti is more than just another pasta dish—it's a celebration of flavors and textures that will leave everyone craving seconds.
First and foremost, this recipe is ridiculously easy to prepare. Even if you're not a seasoned cook, the step-by-step process makes it foolproof. From mixing the cheese filling to layering the pasta, every step is simple and satisfying.
Next, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you're serving picky eaters, hungry teenagers, or dinner party guests, this baked ziti delivers cheesy, saucy perfection that satisfies all palates.
Budget-friendly ingredients are another bonus. Despite its luxurious taste, this recipe relies on pantry staples like pasta, marinara, and ricotta, making it accessible for weeknight meals or feeding a crowd without breaking the bank.
Finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients to suit your preferences—swap the protein, experiment with different cheeses, or sneak in some veggies for a nutrient boost.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its straightforward yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each element contributes to the dish's indulgent appeal.
Ziti pasta is the foundation of this recipe. Its tubular shape holds onto the sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you don’t have ziti on hand, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.
Marinara sauce is the star of the dish's savory layers. Choose a high-quality jarred marinara or make your own for a more personalized touch. A hint of garlic and basil enhances the sauce’s flavor profile.
Ground beef or Italian sausage adds a hearty, meaty richness to the ziti. For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or skip the meat altogether for a vegetarian option.
Ricotta cheese is essential for the creamy layer. Its mild flavor and soft texture pair beautifully with the other ingredients. If ricotta isn’t your favorite, you can use cottage cheese or mascarpone as a substitute.
Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses are the crowning jewels of this dish. Mozzarella provides the gooey, melty texture, while Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty kick. Be generous—this is where the "million-dollar" magic happens!
For this recipe, you’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a skillet for cooking the meat, and a 9x13-inch baking dish to layer and bake the ziti to perfection.
How To Make This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Creating this dish is a straightforward process that guarantees stunning results. Follow these steps to bring your million-dollar masterpiece to life.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your ziti until al dente. Drain the pasta, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil, and set it aside. This prevents sticking and adds a touch of flavor.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the meat sauce. In a large skillet, brown your ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, then stir in your marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
Next, mix the cheese filling. In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, a portion of the shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, a beaten egg, and your favorite Italian seasonings. This creamy mixture will add luxurious layers to the ziti.
Now it’s time to assemble. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your greased baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, then layer with the cheese mixture. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce and ziti, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Bake the ziti in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps the layers set beautifully.
From start to finish, you can expect this dish to take about an hour, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Storage Options
Leftovers? You’re in luck! Million Dollar Baked Ziti stores beautifully and reheats like a dream.
Refrigerate any leftover ziti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quicker option.
If you’re planning ahead, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Assemble the ziti up to the baking step, then wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and load up on veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce for a hint of heat.
- Different Cheeses: Swap mozzarella for provolone or add a dollop of cream cheese to the ricotta mixture for extra creaminess.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the marinara sauce is gluten-free too.
- Lighter Version: Substitute ground turkey for beef, use low-fat ricotta, and reduce the cheese topping slightly.
Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own. No matter how you prepare it, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is bound to be a hit.
PrintMillion Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with layers of ziti, rich marinara sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey cheese. Perfect for dinner or gatherings, this baked pasta dish is a family favorite that tastes like a million bucks!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef or sausage until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in marinara sauce.
- In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half the cooked ziti, then spread half the cheese mixture on top.
- Add another layer of meat sauce, followed by the remaining ziti and cheese mixture.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use penne if ziti is unavailable.
- Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Can be made ahead and frozen before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of dish
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
Leave a Reply