If you are on the hunt for a rich, comforting dinner that brings everyone around the table with smiles and second helpings, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is a true winner. It’s a cheesy, saucy, and deeply flavorful pasta bake combining tender ziti noodles with a luscious blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, all layered with a hearty meat sauce. This dish is where indulgence meets homestyle love, and every bite feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the texture and flavor that make this baked ziti so irresistible. Each component plays an essential role, from the savory meats that bring robustness to the creamy cheeses adding that smooth, rich finish.
- Ziti pasta (1 pound): Choose ziti for its perfect tube shape that holds sauce beautifully throughout the bake.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A good-quality olive oil adds a subtle fruity undertone and aids in browning the meat and onions.
- Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty, savory depth essential for that comforting meat sauce.
- Italian sausage, casings removed (1/2 pound): Infuses the sauce with a spicy, herbaceous character for balanced flavor.
- Small onion, diced (1): Provides sweetness and texture, yielding a soft base for the meat sauce.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Just the right punch of aroma and sharpness to awaken the flavors.
- Marinara sauce (24 oz jar): A rich tomato foundation loaded with herbs that marry the meat and cheese perfectly.
- Tomato sauce (15 oz can): Adds extra moisture and tang to keep the casserole luscious and saucy.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A blend of herbs that enhances the Italian-inspired profile of the dish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential pantry staples that balance and elevate all the other tastes.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Brings creamy lightness and a mild sweetness to the cheese layer.
- Cream cheese, softened (8 oz package): Adds a velvety texture and richness to the cheesy mixture.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Gives tang and a silky finish that cuts through the heaviness.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups, divided): Melts beautifully to create gooey pockets throughout the dish.
- Parmesan cheese, grated (1/2 cup): Sprinkled on top for a nutty, savory golden crust.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions until al dente — firm to the bite but not mushy. Drain the pasta well and set it aside, making sure it doesn’t stick together as you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Meat and Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This usually takes around 6 to 8 minutes. Next, toss in the minced garlic and cook just for 30 seconds to release its fragrance without burning. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy bake.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
To the cooked meat mixture, stir in the marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for about 5 minutes so all the flavors meld together beautifully. Then remove the pan from the heat to let the sauce cool slightly before layering.
Step 4: Combine the Cheesy Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and one cup of shredded mozzarella. Mix until smooth and creamy—this mixture is going to add that signature luscious texture to your Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly. Start by spreading half of the cooked pasta evenly at the bottom. Next, dollop and spread the cheesy mixture over the pasta. Follow that with half of the meat sauce layered on top. Repeat the process—remaining pasta, meat sauce—and finish by sprinkling the remaining one cup of mozzarella and the grated Parmesan on top.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to allow everything to meld and heat through. Then remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step lets the cheese get bubbly and golden brown, creating that irresistible crust everyone loves. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes after baking for clean slices and deeper flavor harmony.
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped basil or parsley sprinkled on top brightens the rich, creamy baked ziti with a hint of herbal freshness. It also adds a beautiful pop of color that makes the dish look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread also makes an excellent accompaniment, helping soak up every bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can bake this in individual ramekins for personal servings, perfect for dinner parties or meal prepping. Layer with extra fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil before serving to add an elegant touch that still feels cozy and welcoming.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply cover the baked ziti tightly and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3-4 days while maintaining its creamy, comforting texture and flavor.
Freezing
The Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish up to the assembly step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or heat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until heated through, about 20 minutes. Removing the foil in the last few minutes helps refresh that cheesy golden top.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne or rigatoni make excellent substitutes because their hollow shapes hold onto the sauce well, keeping every bite saucy and delicious just like with ziti.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the ground beef and sausage and replace them with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a meat substitute to keep that hearty texture and flavor profile balanced.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can substitute with mascarpone or even more ricotta for a slightly different but still creamy and luscious texture in the cheese mixture.
How spicy is the dish and can I adjust the heat?
The classic recipe is mild, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to give it a little kick if you like some heat.
Can I prepare the entire dish the day before baking?
Definitely. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy evenings or entertaining. Just assemble the whole casserole, cover tightly, refrigerate overnight, and bake when ready.
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe is truly a labor of love disguised as an easy, crowd-pleasing meal. Its layers of cheesy goodness, savory meat, and comforting pasta come together to create pure joy on a plate. I encourage you to try it soon and watch as it becomes a cherished favorite in your household, guaranteed to impress family and guests alike!
Print
Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Description
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a comforting and hearty Italian-American pasta bake featuring layers of ziti pasta, rich meat sauce, and a creamy blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella. This delicious casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, Italian sausage, and diced onion. Cook for 6–8 minutes until meat is browned and onions are soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain excess grease. Stir in marinara sauce, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Mix Cheese Blend: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer half of the cooked pasta evenly in the dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta layer. Add half of the meat sauce on top. Repeat layers with remaining pasta and meat sauce.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake, saving time on busy days.
- For a spicier version, use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
