There's nothing quite like a hearty, bubbling casserole dish of Million Dollar Baked Ziti to bring everyone to the dinner table. Layers of tender pasta, creamy cheeses, and savory marinara sauce come together to create a dish that tastes like it’s worth a million bucks—but is surprisingly easy to make.

I discovered this recipe during a family potluck and instantly fell in love with its rich, indulgent flavors. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it to make it even simpler, and now it’s my go-to recipe for gatherings, busy weeknights, or when I just need a little extra comfort. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

Why You'll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Get ready to embrace your new favorite pasta dish. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti has everything you need to make dinner feel like a celebration.

First, it’s an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for kids, adults, or picky eaters, everyone will rave about its cheesy, saucy goodness. It’s a dish you can count on to disappear in no time.

Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps. Just a few simple ingredients and a little layering magic.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s budget-friendly. Despite its fancy name, you can make this meal with affordable pantry staples like ziti pasta, marinara sauce, and cream cheese.

Finally, it’s perfect for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready. Leftovers (if there are any!) reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunch the next day.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Million Dollar Baked Ziti lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make this masterpiece:

Ziti Pasta is the foundation of this dish. Its sturdy tubular shape holds onto the sauce and cheese beautifully. If you can’t find ziti, penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.

Marinara Sauce provides the rich, tomatoey base. Use your favorite jarred marinara or make your own from scratch for a personal touch.

Ricotta Cheese gives the dish its creamy texture. Some recipes use cottage cheese instead, but ricotta creates a silkier layer that feels more luxurious.

Cream Cheese is the secret ingredient that takes this ziti to the next level. Blending it with the ricotta creates a luscious, velvety filling that tastes irresistible.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese melts into gooey perfection on top of the casserole. For extra flavor, consider using a mozzarella-provolone blend.

Ground Beef or Sausage adds heartiness and a savory, meaty flavor. You can also use a combination of both or even swap in ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.

If you have a large baking dish, that’s all the special equipment you’ll need to pull this dish together.

How To Make This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a straightforward process that’s as fun as it is satisfying. Here’s how to do it:

Start by boiling the ziti in a large pot of salted water until it’s al dente. Be careful not to overcook it, as it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta, cream cheese, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Cook the ground beef or sausage in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up into small pieces. Once it’s browned, stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.

Now comes the fun part—layering! Start by spreading a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of your baking dish. Add half of the cooked ziti, followed by dollops of the ricotta mixture. Spread it out gently before topping it with more meat sauce. Repeat the layers, finishing with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a golden, slightly crispy top, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving. This gives the layers time to set and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions.

Storage Options

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can assemble it completely and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re freezing it, wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil and store it for up to three months.

To reheat leftovers, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal.

Variations and Substitutions

The versatility of this recipe makes it perfect for experimenting. Here are a few ideas:

Swap the ground beef for Italian sausage to add a spicy kick.
Use spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Simply sauté them with a bit of garlic before adding them to the layers.
Try different cheeses like fontina or Parmesan for added depth of flavor.
Make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce in the marinara.

No matter how you customize it, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch it become a favorite in your home!