Million Dollar Baked Ziti – Cheesy Pasta Comfort Dish
If you love cozy pasta dinners that feed a crowd, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is a must-try. It’s rich, cheesy, and layered with hearty flavors that make it feel like a million bucks. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving ultimate comfort food, this pasta bake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Cheesy layers – three kinds of cheese make this dish irresistibly creamy.
- Budget-friendly – feeds a family without breaking the bank.
- Meal-prep friendly – assemble ahead and bake when ready.
- Classic comfort food – cozy, filling, and full of flavor.
What Is Million Dollar Baked Ziti?
This dish takes traditional baked ziti to the next level with a creamy cheese mixture layered between pasta and sauce. Ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella create a luscious texture, while marinara and Italian sausage bring bold, savory flavor.
Ingredients (Exact)
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
- Cook pasta – Boil ziti until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare meat sauce – In a skillet, cook sausage until browned. Stir in marinara, tomato sauce, and Italian seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes.
- Mix cheese layer – In a bowl, blend cream cheese, ricotta, sour cream, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Assemble casserole – In a greased 9×13 dish, layer half the pasta, half the sauce, and the cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
- Top with cheese – Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Bake – Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish & serve – Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Make it vegetarian – use sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach instead of meat.
- Add spice – mix in red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Freezer-friendly – assemble, cover tightly, and freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
- Gluten-free option – swap ziti for gluten-free pasta.
FAQs
Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
What’s the difference between baked ziti and lasagna?
Both use similar ingredients, but baked ziti is easier – no pasta layering, just mix and bake.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in the fridge for 3–4 days or freeze portions for easy reheating.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the ultimate comfort food – cheesy, hearty, and soul-warming. Whether it’s for Sunday dinner, a holiday meal, or a cozy weeknight, this dish delivers flavor and comfort in every bite. Serve it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete Italian-inspired feast.
