Have you ever tasted pasta so rich and comforting that it instantly feels like home? That’s the magic of Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This recipe isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a cheesy, meaty, crave-worthy experience that earns its “million dollar” name with every luscious bite. The combination of creamy layers, savory meat sauce, and bubbling melted cheese creates a dish that feels indulgent yet deeply familiar.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this baked ziti brings together the best parts of lasagna and mac and cheese into one easy-to-make meal. If you’re after a satisfying comfort food that delivers both flavor and nostalgia, you’ll want this recipe in your rotation.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring Million Dollar Baked Ziti to life, a few kitchen tools will make all the difference:

Large Skillet or Saute Pan: Essential for browning the ground meat and building a flavorful sauce. A heavy-bottomed skillet ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of these to combine cheeses and assemble different components before layering. Glass or stainless steel bowls are best for easy cleaning and visibility.
13×9″ Baking Dish: This is the heart of your recipe. It gives the ziti plenty of space to bake evenly, ensuring each bite gets the perfect ratio of pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Colander: Crucial for draining the pasta after boiling. A sturdy colander will prevent messes and help avoid overcooking.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Useful for stirring the meat sauce and scraping every last bit of cheesy goodness from your mixing bowls.
Aluminum Foil: You’ll cover the dish during the first stage of baking to keep moisture in and prevent the cheese from burning.

These tools don’t just simplify the process—they ensure your baked ziti turns out as luscious and layered as it’s meant to be.

Ingredients for the Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Ziti Pasta: The base of the dish. Its tubular shape holds the sauce and cheese beautifully.
Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: Brings savory depth and meaty texture to balance the creamy layers.
Marinara Sauce: Adds acidity, sweetness, and tomato-rich flavor. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought.
Cream Cheese: The secret to that “million dollar” creaminess. It melts into the pasta and adds richness.
Ricotta Cheese: Creates a creamy filling and keeps the layers soft and smooth.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and stretchy, it tops the dish and adds gooey delight in every bite.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and sharp—perfect for flavor depth.
Egg: Binds the ricotta and gives structure to the cheesy layer.
Italian Seasoning: Adds that unmistakable herby flavor that ties the whole dish together.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning each layer just right.

How To Make the Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook the ziti in salted water until just shy of al dente. It will finish baking in the oven, so don’t overcook it here.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook your ground beef or sausage until fully browned. Drain excess fat, then stir in marinara sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ricotta, an egg, and a bit of parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Layer It All Up

In your 13×9″ baking dish, start with a layer of sauce. Then add half the pasta, half the cream cheese mixture, more sauce, a generous handful of mozzarella, and repeat. Finish with a full layer of mozzarella and parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Before serving, let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes so it sets and slices neatly.

How to Serve and Store Million Dollar Baked Ziti

When it comes to serving, this dish doesn’t need much else—just scoop it onto a plate and maybe pair it with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad. The layers hold beautifully after resting, making for gorgeous, cheesy servings.

For leftovers, store the baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven, keeping its creamy texture intact.

You can also freeze it! Assemble everything, wrap tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and bake as instructed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep baked ziti from drying out?

Cover the dish with foil during the first part of baking. This traps steam and keeps it moist. Adding a bit of extra sauce also helps.

Can I substitute the ricotta or cream cheese?

Yes! Cottage cheese can replace ricotta, and sour cream or mascarpone can work in place of cream cheese.

Is this dish spicy?

Not at all! But if you love heat, you can add red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely. Skip the meat and layer in roasted vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini with the sauce.

What pasta shape can I use if I don’t have ziti?

Penne or rigatoni are great alternatives. Just aim for a pasta with ridges or tubes to hold the sauce.

Want More Pasta Bake Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which balances meatiness and creaminess in a bowtie format. Or the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna, if you love bold flavors and creamy heat in every bite.

For a hearty vegetarian option, try the Hearty Tuscan Bean Soup, which pairs beautifully with baked pastas. If cheese is your thing, don’t miss the Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup.

Looking for another pasta classic? My Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti might be your next favorite comfort food.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your comfort food board for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you go all beef, or try sausage? Add some veggies? Leave a comment below—I’m always curious how you make it your own.

And if you want more cheesy pasta inspiration, follow my Pinterest boards at LadyPlate on Pinterest. I share new recipes there daily!