We all have that one dish we turn to when we need a little comfort. For me, it’s baked ziti. Not just any baked ziti, though—this is what I call Million Dollar Baked Ziti. It’s creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying. There’s something special about scooping a big, steamy serving straight from the oven, the cheese stretching like it’s trying to hold on just a second longer. You’ll catch yourself going back for more before you even sit down. And yes, I speak from very personal, very full-bellied experience. This recipe is a favorite in our home when it’s gloomy outside or when friends show up unexpectedly (or, let’s be honest, even when they don’t). We layer up pasta, rich meat sauce, and a dreamy mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and cream cheese. It’s not fussy, but wow, does it taste like you spent hours. And between you and me, it reheats like a dream. So if you’ve got a craving and a casserole dish, you’re already halfway there. Let’s cook something that might just become your go-to comfort recipe too.

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 Recipe
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is layered with beef, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and cream cheese
This is one of the top pasta easy recipes for family dinners and leftovers
The rich creaminess and baked top layer give it serious crowd appeal
Use everyday ingredients to make something that tastes like a weekend dish

2) Easy Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe

If comfort food had a fan club, this pasta would run it. My Million Dollar Baked Ziti is one of those pasta easy recipes you hang onto and pass down, maybe even scribbled on a napkin. It’s baked until bubbly, filled with beefy tomato sauce, and layered with ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella. There’s something deeply satisfying about stabbing into a thick corner square, right where the cheese went crisp against the pan.

It’s not hard. No fancy skills here. You brown some meat, stir up a sauce, boil your noodles, and then mix cheeses that practically melt themselves. It’s the kind of dish that gets you compliments even when you’ve had a rough day. People will ask for seconds. Some might even ask for the recipe. Whether it’s a Wednesday or a low-key Sunday dinner, this one brings a little joy to the table.

And bonus—this ziti keeps like a dream. Reheat it the next day and it still tastes like a hug. You’ll want to bookmark it under “easy recipes for dinner” or maybe “deserves its own fridge shelf.”

3) Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Ziti Pasta: The star of the show. You can swap for penne in a pinch, but ziti gives that classic texture we love.

Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you want a leaner bite, go for 90/10.

Marinara Sauce: Use a jar you love, or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious. It’s the backbone of the flavor.

Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess without overwhelming the texture. It’s the smooth talker of the cheese trio.

Cream Cheese: This is where the “million dollar” feeling comes from. Rich, velvety, and slightly tangy—it rounds everything out.

Shredded Mozzarella: For that glorious cheese pull. Use the good stuff if you can. Low moisture is best here.

Grated Parmesan: Just a sprinkle to punch up the flavor. It finishes the top with that golden crisp bite.

Egg: It helps bind the cheese mixture so it doesn’t melt into soup. Just one will do the job.

Garlic Powder & Italian Seasoning: Trust me, you don’t want to skip these. They add that homemade taste, even if the sauce came from a jar.

Salt and Pepper: Season as you go, especially the beef and the ricotta blend. Taste makes all the difference.

4) How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. It’ll give you time to boil your pasta and prep everything else without rushing.

Step 2: Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your ziti just until al dente. Drain and set it aside—don’t rinse it!

Step 3: In a large skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off the fat, then stir in the marinara. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 4: In a bowl, mix your ricotta, softened cream cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a bit of salt and pepper. It should look creamy but thick.

Step 5: In a large baking dish, spread half the pasta, then layer on half the meat sauce. Dollop half the cheese mix over it, then sprinkle mozzarella.

Step 6: Repeat with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, cheese mix, and top with mozzarella and Parmesan. You’re building magic here.

Step 7: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10 to get that golden, bubbling top.

Step 8: Let it rest at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. The wait’s hard, but worth it—this is where it all sets up perfectly.

5) Tips for Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Don’t overcook the pasta. It’ll finish in the oven and you don’t want mush. Stick to al dente—your future self will thank you.

If your cream cheese isn’t soft, microwave it for 10 seconds. Mixing it with ricotta should be easy, not an arm workout.

Taste your ricotta mix before adding the egg. Adjust the seasoning here because once the egg’s in, there’s no going back.

Let it sit. That 10-minute rest after baking helps it slice neatly and gives the flavors time to settle in. Trust me, rushing this part always ends in regret and burns.

Want a crispy top? Throw on a bit more Parmesan and broil the last minute. Just don’t walk away—it goes from golden to black in a flash.

6) Making Million Dollar Baked Ziti Ahead of Time

This pasta easy recipe works great as a prep-ahead meal. You can build the whole thing in the dish and stash it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

If you’re freezing it, wrap it tightly and label it. It’ll hold well for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding 10 extra minutes if it’s still a bit cold in the center.

The key to reheating and not ruining the texture? A splash of water or sauce before covering with foil and warming in the oven. It revives the moisture and keeps things luscious.

7) Storing Leftover Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This is one of those dishes that actually gets better the next day—more melded, more flavor-packed.

If you’re reheating just a portion, a microwave works fine. Add a little water and cover loosely to avoid drying out the edges.

For full-dish reheats, I recommend a low oven with foil. Add a bit of sauce or broth and reheat until warmed through. It keeps the integrity of that original baked ziti magic.

8) Try these casseroles next!

9) Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe