There's something magical about the first bite of Million Dollar Baked Ziti—a symphony of creamy, cheesy goodness with layers of perfectly cooked pasta and rich marinara sauce. The scent of bubbling cheese and baked pasta fills the kitchen, transporting you to a cozy Italian trattoria.

This recipe has a special place in my heart. I first discovered it when hosting a potluck dinner and wanted a dish that would impress without hours of effort. The verdict? Instant hit. Now, it’s my go-to for family gatherings, busy weeknights, or whenever comfort food cravings strike.
Ready to create this irresistible dish? Let’s dive in!
Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Get ready to fall head over heels for this indulgent baked pasta. It’s not just delicious—it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes for a perfect meal.
First, the luxuriously creamy layers take classic baked ziti to a whole new level. Thanks to the blend of ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella, every bite melts in your mouth.
Secondly, this dish is easy to make ahead. Whether you're prepping for a dinner party or just want to simplify your weeknight routine, Million Dollar Baked Ziti can be assembled hours in advance and baked right before serving.
It’s also family-friendly and versatile. Picky eaters? No problem. Add their favorite proteins, veggies, or swap out ingredients to suit your needs.
Finally, this recipe is a budget-friendly superstar. With simple pantry staples, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its perfectly balanced ingredients, each contributing to the dish’s rich flavor and creamy texture.
Ziti Pasta: The star of the show! Its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce and melted cheese perfectly. If you don’t have ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.
Ricotta Cheese: Essential for the creamy layers. Full-fat ricotta gives the best texture, but part-skim works if you’re watching calories.
Cream Cheese: This is the “million-dollar” secret. The creaminess it adds is unmatched, creating a velvety texture that elevates every bite.
Marinara Sauce: A good-quality marinara is key. Whether it’s your homemade sauce or a trusted store-bought brand, ensure it’s rich and flavorful.
Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: Shredded mozzarella gives you that gooey, melty goodness, while parmesan adds a sharp, nutty depth. Grate fresh parmesan for the best flavor.
Ground Meat (Optional): While this dish is delicious as-is, adding ground beef or Italian sausage gives it a hearty, meaty dimension.
You’ll also need a deep casserole dish and foil for baking—essential for that perfectly golden crust!
How To Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Crafting this masterpiece is as easy as layering love and flavors. Here’s how to create this crowd-pleaser:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until it’s just shy of al dente—about 1-2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Brown the Meat (Optional)
If you’re adding meat, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of your greased casserole dish. Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the creamy cheese mixture. If using meat, sprinkle half of it here. Repeat the layers, ending with a generous amount of marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella on top.
Step 5: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let the ziti rest for 10 minutes. This helps the layers set, making it easier to serve.
Storage Options
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a meal-prepper’s dream! Here’s how to store and enjoy it later:
Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Assemble the ziti in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Here are some ideas to make it your own:
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for a veggie-packed twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in diced jalapeños for heat lovers.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for an equally satisfying meal.
- Protein Boost: Swap ground meat for shredded chicken, turkey, or even cooked lentils for a high-protein variation.
- Cheese Lovers: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or asiago for unique flavors.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability, so don’t be afraid to get creative!
PrintMillion Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
This Million Dollar Baked Ziti recipe is the ultimate comfort food, loaded with layers of creamy cheese, savory marinara, and perfectly baked ziti pasta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cream cheese, eggs, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Layer the baking dish: spread a layer of meat sauce, followed by half of the pasta, half of the cheese mixture, and half of the mozzarella. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, bake for an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- Make ahead: Assemble the ziti, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅛ of dish
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
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