Let’s be real—some days I just need a big ol’ dish of something cheesy, warm, and baked to crispy-edged perfection. This Million Dollar Baked Ziti? Oh yeah. It’s like a bear hug in pasta form. 🧀🍝 I whipped this up after a long Tuesday (the kind that feels like a Thursday, but it’s not). I was starving, my brain was fried, and all I could think was: carbs. But not just any carbs. I wanted bubbly, saucy, stick-to-your-soul comfort—and this hit every note. We’re talking layers of ground beef, creamy cheese, and enough pasta to make the table go quiet for a few golden minutes. Whether you’re feeding your loud crew on a weeknight or just want leftovers you’ll actually look forward to, this one’s a no-brainer. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser. And yes, I’ve eaten it cold from the fridge too. No shame. 😉

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe
3) Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti
4) How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti
5) Tips for Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti
6) Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti
8) Try these casseroles next!
9) Million Dollar Baked Ziti
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This easy baked ziti recipe is the go-to when you need something hearty, cheesy, and absolutely comforting 🍝
It’s a great meal prep dish and freezes well
The mix of sour cream and ricotta gives it a creamy center that folks go wild for
Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or when you’ve just had a day and want comfort food without too much fuss

2) Easy Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

This easy recipes for dinner winner came about on one of those days when everything else felt like too much. You know the kind. Work was chaos. The dog chewed a flip-flop. I opened the fridge, stared into the void, and then—bam—I remembered baked ziti. Comfort in a pan.

It’s kind of like lasagna’s chill cousin. No fussy layers, no need for perfection. Just warm, saucy, cheesy goodness piled high and baked until golden on top and gooey in the center. It’s a hug disguised as dinner. I love that it uses ground beef and pantry-friendly ingredients, so I can pull it together with stuff I usually already have.

If you’re into quick and easy recipes that make you feel like a domestic legend without actually working that hard, then grab a baking dish. This one’s for you. And trust me—leftovers taste even better the next day. Even cold. (Not that I’ve done that or anything…😅)

3) Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Ziti pasta: I mean, it’s in the name, right? But you could swap in penne if that’s what’s in the pantry. Cook it al dente so it doesn’t go soft in the oven.

Ground beef: Lean beef works great here. It brings the heartiness and that savory punch. You could try ground turkey, but beef just hits different.

Onion: Dice it small. It adds sweetness and depth, and let’s be honest—sautéed onion smells like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen 😎

Garlic: Always garlic. Don’t skip this. It makes the whole dish smell amazing and adds a flavor kick you’d miss if it was gone.

Marinara sauce: A jar of good marinara saves you a ton of time. Pick your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.

Sour cream: This is the sneaky star. It melts into the ricotta and gives that “million dollar” creamy bite. Trust me, it works.

Ricotta cheese: Soft, rich, and creamy. It layers in the middle and makes this ziti special. Don’t skip it.

Mozzarella cheese: Half goes inside, half on top. Melty, stretchy cheese happiness. No skimping here 🧀

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, sharp edge that balances out the rich middle. A handful is plenty.

Italian seasoning: A little sprinkle brings it all together. If you have fresh basil or oregano, even better.

Salt and pepper: Obvious but necessary. Season each layer a bit for flavor that actually shows up.

Fresh parsley or basil: Totally optional, but it makes things look like you’ve got your act together. Plus—freshness!

4) How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish. This isn’t the time to skip prep or your cheese will stick.

Step 2: Boil the ziti according to the box. Stop just before fully done—al dente is key. Drain and toss it in a little olive oil so it doesn’t clump.

Step 3: In a big skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onion. Add the garlic near the end so it doesn’t burn. Your kitchen should smell heavenly right about now.

Step 4: Stir in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and some salt and pepper. Let it simmer while you prep the cheese mixture.

Step 5: In a bowl, mix ricotta, sour cream, and 1 cup mozzarella. Don’t overthink it. This is the creamy goodness that makes people ask for the recipe.

Step 6: Now build it like a cozy little pasta lasagna. Start with half the pasta, then half the meat sauce, then the cheese mixture. Then repeat—pasta, sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan.

Step 7: Bake uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest a bit before serving (or burn your mouth like I always do 🤷‍♀️)

5) Tips for Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Don’t overcook the pasta. That’s the golden rule. Soft noodles turn to mush in the oven and nobody wants ziti pudding.

If you’re after easy recipes with ground beef that work for crowds, double the recipe and bake it in two pans. It freezes great and reheats even better. Just wrap tight in foil and stash in the freezer for one of those crazy weeks.

Want a little extra oomph? Toss in a handful of chopped spinach or even sautéed mushrooms. This recipe is pretty forgiving, so tweak it based on what’s in the fridge.

6) Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti Ahead of Time

This baked ziti is a rock star when it comes to prepping ahead. You can make it all the way up to the baking step, then cover and pop it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, just bake like normal—but add a few extra minutes since it’s cold.

If you’re planning ahead for the week, this dish covers a few dinners and even lunches. I like to portion it out into containers and microwave each one individually for a super fast, filling meal.

Perfect for anyone who’s short on time but still wants something that feels homemade, which, let’s be honest, is most of us.

7) Storing Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Got leftovers? Lucky you. This stuff gets better overnight. Just scoop it into an airtight container and it’ll keep for up to 5 days in the fridge.

When reheating, a splash of water or sauce helps bring the moisture back. Microwave it covered so the cheese gets all melty again without drying out.

Or freeze it! Individual servings or whole-pan—whatever works for you. I usually do both and thank myself later 😄

8) Try these casseroles next!

9) Million Dollar Baked Ziti