Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food—something bubbling with cheese, brimming with savory flavors, and easy enough for a weeknight or special enough for a celebration—this Million Dollar Baked Ziti will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine forkfuls of tender ziti layered with a luscious blend of melty cheeses, creamy ricotta, rich beefy marinara, and finished with a golden cap of mozzarella and Parmesan. Everything comes together into a craveable, crowd-pleasing casserole that feels indulgent yet familiar, and the best part? It’s so ridiculously simple that anyone can whip it up in their own kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to impress your guests at a potluck, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Million Dollar Baked Ziti is that it depends on simple, classic ingredients—each one essential to build its cozy, layered magic. A few quality staples, plus a couple of clever additions, make all the difference in taste, texture, and that gorgeous golden color on top.

• Ziti pasta: The tubular shape is perfect for catching sauce and cheese in every bite—be sure to cook it just al dente for the best texture.
• Ground beef: Rich, savory flavor builds the heartiness of this dish—swap for turkey or a plant-based option if you like.
• Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred variety, or homemade if you have it; its bright tomato flavor ties everything together.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that makes the cheese layer dreamy and rich.
• Sour cream: This is the “secret ingredient” that gives the Million Dollar Baked Ziti its signature silky texture and a touch of luxury.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melty and perfect for those memorable cheese pulls—use part-skim or whole milk depending on your gooeyness preference.
• Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and adds that irresistible golden crust on top.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves sautéed in olive oil deepen the aromatic base of the sauce.
• Olive oil: Used to brown the garlic and meat—choose extra virgin for the best flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, so don’t forget to taste as you go.
• Fresh basil: An optional finishing touch that brings color and a fragrant hint of freshness.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While you wait, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil or nonstick spray. This will keep all those gooey layers from sticking and make for much easier serving later. A little prep goes a long way in making cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti according to package directions until it’s just al dente—you want it firm enough to hold its shape once baked. Overcooking here can turn your casserole mushy, so keep an eye on it! Drain well and set aside while you prep everything else.

Step 3: Prepare the Meat Sauce

Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and pour in the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant (don’t let it burn!). Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Drain any extra fat, then stir in the marinara sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together. Season with a little salt and pepper to taste—this meaty, tomatoey sauce is pure cozy goodness.

Step 4: Mix the Cheeses

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, and one cup of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until well blended. This creamy trio is what sets Million Dollar Baked Ziti apart, adding richness and a luxurious (but effortless) texture between each layer. It’s so tempting, you’ll want to sneak a spoonful.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Let the fun begin! Layer half of your cooked ziti in the bottom of the prepared baking dish, then gently spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Add the remaining ziti on top, then pour the beefy marinara sauce evenly over everything. Finish things off with the remaining mozzarella and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the entire surface. Don’t stress if your layers aren’t perfect—once baked, every bite will taste amazing!

Step 6: Bake

Cover the baking dish with foil and pop it in your preheated oven for 20 minutes. This helps all the layers meld and gets the cheese melting nicely. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and gloriously golden on top. If you love extra browning, a quick broil at the end works wonders (but watch carefully to prevent burning).

Step 7: Serve

Let the Million Dollar Baked Ziti rest for about 5 minutes out of the oven—this makes it easier to cut and keeps those cheesy layers intact. Finish with a scattering of fresh basil if you like, and serve it up while it’s piping hot. Prepare yourself for plenty of happy, satisfied smiles!

How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil brings a burst of color and a hint of freshness to your Million Dollar Baked Ziti. You can also add extra Parmesan, a dash of red pepper flakes for heat, or even a light drizzle of good olive oil for shine and flavor. These simple touches don’t just make it beautiful—they help each slice taste extra special.

Side Dishes

Since this dish is rich and filling, serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti alongside a big green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some garlicky sautéed greens to balance things out. Crusty Italian bread or homemade garlic knots are always a hit for soaking up the sauce, and if you want something cool and crisp, try a platter of marinated veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, portion your Million Dollar Baked Ziti into individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes—perfect for dinner parties or cozy date nights. You can also layer it in a deep, round gratin dish for a rustic look, or scoop it out and serve it family-style right at the table for maximum comfort vibes. Sprinkle extra cheese and broil for a dramatic, bubbly finish right before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti is one of life’s little gifts—it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Let the dish cool, cover tightly (or transfer to an airtight container), and refrigerate. The flavors get even better, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner a treat.

Freezing

Ziti is a freezer superstar! Assemble the entire dish but don’t bake it. Instead, cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed, adding extra time as needed. You can also freeze cooked leftovers in individual portions for grab-and-go meals.

Reheating

Reheat Million Dollar Baked Ziti in a 350°F oven, covered, until heated through—usually about 20-25 minutes. For single servings, the microwave works great, too; just cover lightly and heat until piping hot. If things seem a bit dry, a splash of extra marinara sauce or water before reheating brings it right back to life.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape in Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini all work well. Just make sure you cook them al dente so the final casserole keeps its hearty, satisfying texture.

Is it possible to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or a hearty mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach. The cheesy layers and sauce will still taste absolutely amazing!

Can I assemble Million Dollar Baked Ziti in advance?

Definitely—you can fully assemble the dish up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking, or add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It’s tangy and creamy, and no one will be able to tell the difference once everything is baked.

How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Be sure to cover the dish with foil for the first part of baking. If you want more browning, remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—if the cheese looks too dark, simply lay the foil back on top loosely for the final minutes.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to bring a steaming dish of Million Dollar Baked Ziti to your table soon. It’s easy, endlessly cozy, and guaranteed to make any meal feel special. One bite and you’ll see why it’s a forever favorite in my kitchen—so grab a fork and dig in!

Print