Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with bold Italian flavor.

There’s pasta, and then there’s million dollar pasta. This baked ziti is next-level thanks to a luscious layer of whipped ricotta, sour cream, and cream cheese, sandwiched between saucy ziti and melty mozzarella. Every bite is rich, savory, and completely satisfying. It’s like lasagna’s laid-back cousin — less fussy, just as delicious.

I first made this version for a potluck dinner, and people were literally scraping the pan clean. It’s become a family favorite ever since. The best part? It makes a big batch, reheats like a dream, and freezes beautifully — so it’s perfect for meal prep, gatherings, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti

• Ultra creamy layers – That cheesy filling takes it over the top.
• Hearty and satisfying – Loaded with pasta, sauce, and savory ground beef.
• Perfect for feeding a crowd – Makes 8–10 servings easily.
• Freezer-friendly – Make one now, freeze one for later!
• Halal-friendly – Uses halal ground beef and no alcohol-based ingredients.

Prep Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories per serving: ~510
• Protein: 28g | Carbs: 38g | Fat: 28g

Ingredients

For the Meat Sauce:

• 1 lb halal ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb ziti pasta, cooked al dente
  – You can sub penne or rigatoni if needed.

For the Creamy Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook ziti just until al dente (1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
• Drain and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta — it’ll finish cooking in the oven!

2. Make the Meat Sauce

• In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is soft (about 7–8 minutes).
• Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
• Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Simmer for 5–10 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Mix the Creamy Cheese Layer

• In a medium bowl, combine ricotta, sour cream, cream cheese, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
• Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Ziti

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Layering:

1. Half of the cooked pasta
2. All of the creamy cheese mixture (spread gently)
3. Half of the meat sauce
4. Remaining pasta
5. Remaining meat sauce
6. Top with shredded mozzarella

Optional: Sprinkle extra Parmesan or Italian seasoning on top for more flavor.

5. Bake It

• Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
• Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving (this helps it set and makes slicing easier).

How to Serve Million Dollar Ziti

This dish is rich and satisfying, but here are a few ways to complete the meal:

• With garlic bread or breadsticks
• Side Caesar or arugula salad
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• A drizzle of olive oil and fresh cracked pepper on top

Tips for the Best Baked Ziti

1. Cook pasta al dente – It will soften more in the oven.
2. Don’t skip the creamy layer – That’s what gives it the “million dollar” name!
3. Use good marinara – Quality sauce makes a big difference.
4. Let it rest after baking – Helps it slice cleanly and keeps the layers intact.
5. Make it ahead – Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian – Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils.
• Spicy – Use spicy beef or turkey sausage, and extra chili flakes.
• Extra cheesy – Mix shredded mozzarella into the pasta before layering for more gooey goodness.
• Lighter version – Use low-fat dairy or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream and cream cheese.

Storage & Freezing

To Store:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:

• Assemble (without baking) and freeze tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.
• Bake from frozen at 375°F for about 1 hour, or thaw overnight in the fridge first.

To Reheat:

• Microwave individual servings or bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Yes! Just blend it first for a smoother texture.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try plant-based dairy alternatives, but the texture and flavor may change slightly.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well.

What’s the best meat to use?
Ground beef, turkey, or chicken sausage are all great options — just make sure it’s halal if needed.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Assemble the night before, then bake when you’re ready.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the kind of meal that brings people together — rich, creamy, cheesy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding the fam, or just want to make something that feels a little special, this one delivers every time.

Try it once and you’ll see why it’s called million dollar. And if you make it, don’t forget to tag me — I love seeing your pasta masterpieces!

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