Million Dollar Baked Ziti

If you’re craving a rich, cheesy, and utterly comforting pasta dish, this Million Dollar Baked Ziti is exactly what you need! Packed with layers of tender ziti pasta, creamy cheese filling, savory meat sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing baked pasta perfect for family dinners, holidays, or potluck gatherings.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra-Creamy – The secret cheesy mixture makes every bite melt in your mouth.
Easy to Make – Simple steps and basic ingredients.
Perfect for a Crowd – Feeds a big group and is great for leftovers.
Customizable – Switch up the meats, cheeses, or sauce to make it your own.
Freezer-Friendly – Perfect for meal prepping and busy nights.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta and Cheese Layer:

• 1 lb ziti pasta
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Skillet for meat sauce
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente.
Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until the meat is browned and cooked through.
Drain any excess fat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Simmer for 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Assemble the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add half of the cooked ziti pasta.
Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
Top with half of the remaining meat sauce.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and sauce.

Step 5: Add the Final Cheese Layer
Sprinkle the top evenly with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the baked ziti cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Tips for the Best Million Dollar Baked Ziti
Cook Pasta Al Dente – It will continue to cook while baking, so don’t overboil it.
Mix Cheeses Well – This ensures a smooth, creamy filling that melts beautifully.
Use Quality Marinara – A good sauce makes a big difference in flavor.
Cover While Baking – Helps keep it moist before uncovering for that cheesy golden top.
Let It Rest – Cooling slightly before serving helps the layers set nicely.

Serving Suggestions
Serve Million Dollar Baked Ziti with:

• Garlic bread or breadsticks
• A crisp green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• A glass of sparkling water or lemonade

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Potlucks and parties
• Holiday gatherings
• Freezer meal prepping

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze assembled but unbaked ziti, or baked and cooled portions, wrapped tightly for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat covered at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual servings on medium power until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use penne instead of ziti?
   Yes! Penne is a perfect substitute if ziti isn’t available.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach.
3. How do I make it extra cheesy?
   Add an extra cup of shredded mozzarella between the layers for maximum cheesy goodness.
4. Can I assemble it ahead of time?
   Yes! Assemble up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts
Million Dollar Baked Ziti lives up to its name with creamy layers, hearty meat sauce, and loads of gooey cheese that make every bite feel rich and satisfying. It’s easy, comforting, and sure to become a favorite for family meals and special gatherings!

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see how your Million Dollar Baked Ziti turns out.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 540 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 32g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 850mg

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