Description

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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Ingredients

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)

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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.

Notes

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.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: American-Italian