Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
If ever there were a pasta dish that could win over a table full of picky eaters, it’s Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This irresistible baked pasta combines creamy ricotta, bubbly mozzarella, and savory meat sauce in luscious layers that somehow manage to taste both comforting and luxuriously decadent. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Sunday meal, a foolproof potluck star, or something special for a cozy night in, this casserole brings people back for seconds (and let’s be honest, probably thirds!).

Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to make Million Dollar Baked Ziti, but every item here stands out for a reason! Each ingredient plays its own important role, lending depth to the flavor and a beautiful combination of creamy, cheesy, and bright notes in every bite.
- Ziti pasta: The perfect shape for holding onto plenty of sauce and cheese in every forkful.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds rich, meaty flavor—use either or both depending on your preference!
- Marinara sauce: The tangy tomato base ties all the layers together and keeps the ziti moist.
- Ricotta cheese (whole milk): For the creamiest filling with just the right hint of tang.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk): Melts gloriously, blanketing the top with golden cheese.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and salty depth, balancing all the creaminess.
- Italian seasoning: Brings just the right blend of herbs for classic Italian aroma and taste.
- Garlic (minced): Gives a mellow, aromatic backbone to the entire dish—don’t skimp!
- Salt and pepper: Essential for ensuring every component sings with flavor.
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Step 1: Boil and Prep the Ziti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your ziti pasta and cook it until just al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking! Drain the ziti and set it aside. This step ensures your pasta holds up beautifully during baking and doesn’t turn mushy later.
Step 2: Brown the Meat and Build the Sauce
Place a large skillet over medium heat and toss in your ground beef or sausage. Cook until browned and crumbly, making sure to break up large pieces as it cooks. Once it’s no longer pink, drain off any excess fat—this keeps the casserole from getting greasy. Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant, then stir in your marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let everything simmer together for five minutes so the flavors really meld.
Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, blend together the ricotta cheese with half of your shredded mozzarella and some of the Parmesan. Stir this mixture until it’s creamy, smooth, and everything is evenly combined. This layer adds the “million dollar” creaminess that makes this dish so special!
Step 4: Assemble the Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Lightly grease your favorite baking dish, then start layering like a pasta artist: Spoon in half the cooked ziti, spread out half the meat sauce, scatter spoonfuls of the creamy cheese mixture all around, and repeat. The magic of layering is what gives every slice those perfect marble-like ribbons of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection
Cover your assembled casserole with foil to trap in moisture. Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes to get everything piping hot and melty. Then, uncover, sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella, and bake another 15 to 20 minutes. When the cheese is bubbling and has those irresistible golden spots, your Million Dollar Baked Ziti is ready for its closeup!
How to Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Garnishes
A big sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil brings a pop of color and fresh, herby fragrance to your Million Dollar Baked Ziti. For an extra flourish, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving makes it truly restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This pasta bake is hearty enough to shine on its own, but it’s absolutely dreamy alongside a crisp Caesar salad or garlicky sautéed greens. Don’t forget warm, crusty bread to soak up every bit of that melty cheese and tomato sauce—trust me, you’ll want it!
Creative Ways to Present
Bring your Million Dollar Baked Ziti to the table straight from the oven in a gorgeous baking dish for maximum wow factor, or serve it up in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. For a family gathering, let everyone serve themselves buffet-style, or try slicing it into neat squares for a more elegant dinner party presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Million Dollar Baked Ziti tastes just as incredible the next day! After cooling, wrap the baking dish tightly or transfer leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Those flavors just keep developing, making lunchtime leftovers absolutely crave-worthy.
Freezing
This is a superstar freezer meal! Assemble the entire ziti (just stop before baking), cover well with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for pasta bliss, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake as instructed—it tastes freshly made every time.
Reheating
To bring your leftovers back to their bubbly best, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (177°C) until hot throughout, about 25 minutes. For a quicker option, individual portions reheat beautifully in the microwave—just add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep everything saucy.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While ziti is classic, penne, rigatoni, or even rotini all work wonderfully. The key is picking something with enough surface area and ridges to grab onto all that luscious sauce and cheese.
How can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti vegetarian?
Skip the meat and bump up the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the sauce. Even without meat, the creamy ricotta and bubbling cheese make this a seriously satisfying vegetarian entrée.
What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No worries—cottage cheese blended with a splash of cream or mascarpone are good substitutes. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid so your casserole layers stay thick and creamy.
Can I assemble Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the whole casserole, cover, and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit on the counter for 30 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as directed. Dinner will be ready in no time and with zero stress.
What’s the best way to prevent the cheese from burning?
Keep the casserole covered with foil for the first part of baking, which traps in moisture and keeps the cheese from browning too soon. When you uncover it for the last stretch, keep an eye on the top so it gets bubbly and golden without going overboard!
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a pasta bake that delivers serious comfort and flair, you’ll fall in love with Million Dollar Baked Ziti. It’s easily customizable to your tastes, simple to make ahead, and guaranteed to be the highlight of any meal. Bring it to your next gathering or whip it up for a weeknight victory—either way, don’t be surprised when it vanishes before your eyes!
PrintMillion Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
Indulge in this rich and comforting Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe that’s a sure crowd-pleaser. Layers of ziti pasta, savory meat sauce, and a creamy cheese mixture, topped with gooey melted mozzarella – a true Italian classic!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ziti Pasta:
- 12 oz ziti pasta
Meat Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (whole milk)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Ziti: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil salted water, cook ziti until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Meat Sauce: Brown ground beef/sausage in a skillet, drain fat, add garlic, then stir in marinara sauce and seasonings; simmer.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Combine ricotta, half of mozzarella, and Parmesan until creamy.
- Layer and Bake: In a greased baking dish, layer ziti, meat sauce, and cheese mixture. Bake covered, then top with mozzarella and bake uncovered until bubbly.
Notes
- This dish can be prepared ahead and baked when ready to serve.
- Feel free to add a layer of sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Baked Ziti, Pasta Bake, Italian Recipe, Comfort Food