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Million Dollar Baked Ziti Creamy, Cheesy Family Favorite

Million Dollar Baked Ziti Creamy, Cheesy Family Favorite

If you’re craving a hearty, cheesy, oven-baked pasta dish that feels like a warm hug, Million Dollar Baked Ziti is exactly what you need. This comforting casserole layers tender ziti pasta with rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and tangy Parmesan for the ultimate Italian-inspired dinner. It’s indulgent, budget-friendly, and easy to make—perfect for family meals, potlucks, or meal prep.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 520
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 12 oz ziti pasta or substitute penne or rigatoni
Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage use lean ground beef or chicken sausage for a lighter option
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce choose a high-quality or homemade sauce
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Layer
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese whole milk
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Meat Sauce: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or sausage over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. Mix the Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half the mozzarella, and a few tablespoons of Parmesan. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Assemble the Layers: Lightly grease a baking dish. Spread half of the cooked ziti on the bottom, spoon over half the meat sauce, and add dollops of the ricotta mixture. Repeat with remaining ziti, sauce, and cheeses, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
  5. Bake: Cover with foil and bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow layers to set perfectly.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, replace meat with sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. To make ahead, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Freeze unbaked for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers with a splash of sauce or water to maintain creaminess.