If you’re craving the kind of comfort food that leaves your family silent at the dinner table (because they’re too busy enjoying every bite), Million Dollar Baked Ziti is the dish to make. This hearty, cheesy casserole layers ziti pasta with rich meat sauce, creamy cheese filling, and a golden, bubbling top that just screams homemade love. It’s a weeknight favorite and potluck champion rolled into one incredible pan.

The “million dollar” title isn’t just for flair—it truly tastes like a million bucks. By combining velvety cream cheese, savory ground beef, and marinara with tender pasta and layers of gooey cheese, you get a dish that delivers on flavor and texture. It’s rich, indulgent, and cozy, just the way comfort food should be.

Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This recipe is a celebration of contrasts: soft pasta and chewy browned edges, tangy tomato sauce and mellow creamy layers, classic Italian flavors with a Southern comfort spin. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and easy to prep ahead of time. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a holiday gathering, everyone will be asking for seconds.

What Makes Million Dollar Baked Ziti Different From Traditional Ziti?

While traditional baked ziti usually features ricotta cheese and marinara with a simple mozzarella topping, this version adds a “million dollar” layer made with cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese—giving it an ultra-rich and creamy center. It also gets a meaty upgrade with seasoned ground beef, making it heartier and more filling than your average baked pasta.

Ingredients for the Million Dollar Baked Ziti

The success of this baked ziti is all about layers—and that begins with quality ingredients. Each component builds on the next for a dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.

Ziti pasta
Ground beef
Onion
Garlic
Marinara sauce
Cream cheese
Cottage cheese
Sour cream
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper

How To Make the Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the ziti pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven so don’t overdo it. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, cook ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic until browned and fragrant. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in your favorite marinara sauce and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Creamy Layer

In a separate bowl, combine cream cheese, cottage cheese, and sour cream. Mix until well blended—this luscious mixture is what sets this recipe apart.

Step 4: Layer the Ziti

In a greased baking dish, start layering: half the cooked pasta, all the creamy cheese mix, half the mozzarella, then the remaining pasta and all the meat sauce. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

How to Serve and Store Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This baked ziti is a filling, comforting main dish that can serve up to 8 generous portions. It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or crusty garlic bread. If you’re feeding a crowd, it doubles well without much extra effort.

Leftovers? Even better the next day. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze individual portions for a grab-and-go meal later. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

What to Serve With Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Garlic Bread

The cheesy goodness of the ziti calls for something crisp and buttery to mop up that sauce.

Caesar Salad

A classic Caesar with crunchy croutons and tangy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Asparagus

Light and slightly charred, asparagus makes a nice contrast to all that cheesy comfort.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing, palate-cleansing side.

Italian Sausage Bites

Serve these as an appetizer for a full Italian-themed spread.

Sautéed Spinach with Garlic

Adds an earthy note to round out the meal and sneak in some greens.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

For a cozy, comforting combo, start with a warm bowl of this simple soup.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

A great leftover idea—toss the meatballs on top of ziti for a new twist the next day.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you love Million Dollar Baked Ziti, you’ll enjoy exploring these other crave-worthy casseroles:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a veggie-packed weeknight favorite.
Dive into No Peek Chicken Casserole for low-effort, big flavor.
For extra cozy vibes, the Creamed Cabbage and Ground Beef Casserole is a hearty must.
Get bold flavors from the Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta for a little heat.
Don’t skip the Amish Country Casserole—a humble classic that always satisfies.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in Italian sausage? Go meatless? Add a layer of spinach? I love hearing how you make it your own.

Explore beautifully curated family-style comfort meals on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find your next dinner obsession.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is more than just a pasta bake—it’s the kind of meal that brings people to the table and keeps them coming back. Creamy, meaty, cheesy, and completely satisfying, this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this one’s a keeper.