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Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Featured in Inspiring Dinner Ideas.

This isn't your regular baked ziti - it's loaded with cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, plus savory Italian sausage and marinara sauce. Perfect for feeding a crowd or having delicious leftovers.

Sarah
Updated on Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:34:49 GMT
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A serving of rigatoni pasta topped with meat sauce, melted cheese, and parsley, with a fork lifting some of the dish. Pin it
A serving of rigatoni pasta topped with meat sauce, melted cheese, and parsley, with a fork lifting some of the dish. | kitchenscroll.com

My Million Dollar Baked Ziti earned its name through years of perfecting the ultimate comfort dish. The layers of tender pasta rich cheese blend and hearty meat sauce create pure magic in every bite. This recipe has become my most requested dish for family gatherings and potlucks where it never fails to draw recipe requests.

What Makes This Ziti Special

The secret lies in the three cheese blend combined with a perfectly seasoned meat sauce. I love how versatile it is make it ahead for easy entertaining or customize it to your family's taste. The creamy ricotta layer makes this dish truly extraordinary.

Your Shopping List

  • Start with quality pasta ziti or penne both work beautifully.
  • Italian sausage creates the most flavorful sauce though ground beef works too.
  • Fresh onions and garlic form our flavor base.
  • The cheese blend combines ricotta, cream cheese, and sour cream for unmatched creaminess.
  • Top with plenty of mozzarella and parmesan then finish with fresh herbs.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Cook your pasta just shy of al dente it will finish in the oven. Brown the sausage with onions and garlic then simmer in marinara creating deep flavors. Whip cream cheese until smooth then blend with ricotta sour cream eggs and cheese. This creamy mixture gets folded with pasta topped with meat sauce and more cheese then baked until golden and bubbly.

A pot of simmering meat sauce with diced tomatoes and small pasta, stirred with a wooden spoon. Pin it
A pot of simmering meat sauce with diced tomatoes and small pasta, stirred with a wooden spoon. | kitchenscroll.com

Kitchen Secrets

Always undercook the pasta slightly it keeps baking in the sauce. Grate your own cheese it melts so much better. A pinch of sugar balances the marinara perfectly. Sometimes I add red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.

Keep It Fresh

Leftovers stay delicious for several days in the fridge. For freezing wrap it well and reheat with extra sauce to keep it moist. It's perfect for making ahead just assemble refrigerate and bake when needed.

The Perfect Meal

Serve alongside garlic bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. A crisp green salad adds freshness and balance. Pour a glass of red wine and you've got the perfect Italian comfort meal.

A fork lifting a serving of cheesy baked pasta with ground meat and garnished with parsley. Pin it
A fork lifting a serving of cheesy baked pasta with ground meat and garnished with parsley. | kitchenscroll.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why undercook the pasta?

The pasta continues cooking in the oven with the sauce. Cooking it 2 minutes less than al dente prevents it from becoming mushy in the final dish.

→ Can I make this ahead?

You can assemble this dish a day ahead and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

→ Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze it before baking. Wrap well and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

→ What can I substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese makes a great substitute for ricotta. Just drain it well and use the same amount as called for in the recipe.

→ Why let it rest before serving?

The 10-minute rest helps the cheese settle and makes it easier to portion. It will stay hot but be less likely to fall apart when served.

Conclusion

A rich and indulgent pasta dish combining multiple cheeses and savory Italian sausage, baked to golden perfection. This million-dollar baked ziti transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that's both comforting and impressive.

Million Dollar Baked Ziti

A decadent baked ziti featuring four kinds of cheese, Italian sausage, and marinara sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
70 Minutes

Category: Dinner Delights

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 9x13 dish)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 Ziti or penne pasta (1 pound).
02 Olive oil (1 tablespoon).
03 Italian sausage or ground beef (1 pound).
04 Small onion, finely chopped.
05 Garlic cloves, minced (3).
06 Marinara sauce (48 ounces).
07 Cream cheese, softened (8 ounces).
08 Large eggs (2).
09 Ricotta cheese, drained (15 ounces).
10 Sour cream (1/2 cup).
11 Shredded mozzarella (3 cups).
12 Grated Parmesan (1 cup).
13 Salt (1/2 teaspoon).
14 Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon).
15 Fresh parsley or basil for topping.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish.

Step 02

Boil pasta 2 minutes less than package says. Rinse with cold water.

Step 03

Brown sausage and onion in oil. Add garlic, then stir in marinara sauce. Simmer 10 minutes.

Step 04

Beat cream cheese, eggs, ricotta, sour cream, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt and pepper.

Step 05

Mix 1 cup sauce into cheese mixture. Stir in pasta.

Step 06

Put pasta mix in dish. Top with remaining sauce and cheese.

Step 07

Cover with foil, bake 20 minutes. Uncover, bake 20 more minutes until bubbly.

Notes

  1. Can use cottage cheese instead of ricotta.
  2. Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish.
  • Large pot.
  • Large skillet.
  • Mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan).
  • Wheat (pasta).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 505
  • Total Fat: 28 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 25 g