Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Craving a pasta bake that’s rich, cheesy, and guaranteed to please a crowd? This Million Dollar Baked Ziti lives up to its name—it’s layered with creamy cheese, hearty meat sauce, and perfectly cooked ziti, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy enough for weeknights and impressive enough for company.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy & Cheesy – Layers of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella make it extra indulgent.
Family Favorite – A hearty and satisfying bake that both kids and adults love.
Perfect for Make-Ahead – Assemble in advance and bake when ready.
Freezer-Friendly – Ideal for meal prep and busy schedules.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – Feels fancy but uses everyday ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:
1 lb ziti (or penne) pasta
Salt for boiling water

For the Meat Sauce:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Cheese Mixture:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 egg (helps bind the filling)

For Layering & Topping:
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Large pot for pasta
Large skillet or saucepan
Mixing bowls
9×13-inch baking dish
Spatula or wooden spoon
Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the ziti according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and set aside—don’t overcook, as it will bake further in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and egg.
Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 5: Assemble the Ziti
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
Add half of the cooked ziti.
Top with all of the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
Add half of the remaining meat sauce.
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella on top.
Layer the rest of the ziti, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
Top with the final cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan.

Step 6: Bake It Up
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving—this helps it set and slice cleanly.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil on top before serving.
Slice and serve hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Use Full-Fat Dairy – For the creamiest texture, avoid low-fat substitutions.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercooked is best since it finishes baking in the oven.
Let It Rest – Resting after baking helps the layers set and enhances flavor.
Double the Recipe – Make one for now and freeze one for later.
Make It Spicy – Add more red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with this cheesy dish.
Steamed Broccoli or Roasted Veggies – A lighter side to balance the richness.
Sparkling Water with Lemon – Refreshing and cuts through the creaminess.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze the assembled but unbaked dish wrapped tightly in foil for up to 2 months.
When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
Microwave: Heat slices in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
Add a splash of water or marinara if needed to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
   Yes, but make sure to drain it well and blend for a smoother texture.
2. What’s the best pasta for baked ziti?
   Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni work just as well.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
4. Is it okay to use store-bought marinara?
   Yes, just pick a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
5. How do I prevent it from drying out when reheating?
   Cover with foil and add a spoonful of water or sauce before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is more than just another pasta bake—it’s the kind of dish that makes people go back for seconds (and thirds!). It’s creamy, cheesy, meaty, and full of comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a big family or hosting friends, this recipe delivers bold flavor and big smiles every time.

Try it out and let me know how it turns out! Share your thoughts and photos—I’d love to see your delicious results.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 560 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 45g | Fat: 30g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 680mg

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