Introduction:
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food pasta bake. Loaded with layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and savory meat sauce, it’s baked until golden and bubbling for a truly indulgent dish. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this cheesy pasta recipe is hearty enough to feed a crowd while still being simple to make. If you love baked ziti recipes, this one earns its “million dollar” name.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
1 pound ziti pasta
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
➜ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
➜ Prepare the Meat Sauce
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Drain excess fat. Add marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 minutes.
➜ Mix the Cheese Layer
In a bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, sour cream, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
➜ Assemble the Ziti
Preheat oven to 375°F. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the cheese mixture, and half the meat sauce. Repeat layers. Top with mozzarella and remaining Parmesan.
➜ Bake & Serve
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Pro Tips
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — assemble the ziti and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 extra minutes bake time if chilled.
Q: Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! Wrap tightly and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 20 minutes.
Q: What pasta substitutions can I use?
Penne or rigatoni work perfectly if you don’t have ziti.
Nutrition Summary
A hearty baked pasta dish loaded with protein, cheese, and flavor, perfect for a filling dinner.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving* |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1 portion |
| Calories | ~520 kcal |
| Protein | ~28 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~46 g |
| Fat | ~25 g |
| Fiber | ~4 g |
| Sugar | ~9 g |
*Estimates only; will vary by ingredients used.
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are approximate and for informational purposes only.
