Million Dollar Baked Ziti: A Comfort Food Classic by Luna

If you’re on the hunt for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re in for a treat. Let me introduce you to the ultimate comfort food that tastes like it came straight from your nonna’s kitchen — the Million Dollar Baked Ziti. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and packed with robust flavors, this dish has everything you crave in a warm pasta bake. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, preparing for a dinner party, or craving indulgent leftovers, this recipe is your go-to.

In this article, we’ll dive into:

• What makes Million Dollar Baked Ziti different
• Why it’s a must-have recipe in your collection
• How to make it step-by-step
• Tips for storage, reheating, and serving
• FAQs about this magical dish

Created by Lunaand and cooked by pasta lovers worldwide, this dish lives up to its name. It tastes like a million bucks — without costing it.

What Is Million Dollar Baked Ziti?

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is more than just your average pasta bake. It combines everyday pantry ingredients with luxurious cheeses and rich sauces to create a dish that looks (and tastes) like something you’d find in an upscale Italian restaurant.

The “million dollar” in the name refers to the creamy, cheesy layers that mimic lasagna — but in a fraction of the time. Every bite offers a savory explosion of:

• Zesty marinara or meat sauce
• Creamy, ricotta-style filling
• Melted mozzarella and Parmesan
• Al dente ziti pasta baked to perfection

If lasagna and baked mac & cheese had a baby, it would be Million Dollar Baked Ziti. It’s comfort food at its finest.

A Personal Note by Luna

Hey pasta lovers! I’m Luna, and I’ve devoted much of my culinary journey to creating dishes that blend comfort, flavor, and simplicity. Million Dollar Baked Ziti lives at the heart of that mission. I created this recipe for busy weeknights, holiday potlucks, and those low-energy days when you just need something reliably delicious.

Growing up in a big Italian-American family, pasta was more than just food — it was tradition. This ziti recipe brings the warmth of those family gatherings to your table, no matter where you’re from. And believe me, once you try it, you’ll never look at ziti the same way again.

Why You’ll Love Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Still on the fence about making this dish? Let me tempt you with reasons why this dish is an absolute must-cook:

• 🧀 Cheese, cheese, and more cheese: Ricotta (or cottage cheese), cream cheese, mozzarella, AND Parmesan create a rich and creamy sensation.
• ⏰ Easy to prep: Minimal prep, maximum flavor. Ready in under an hour!
• 🍝 Crowd-friendly: It’s the perfect dish to feed a large family or group of friends.
• ❄️ Great leftovers: Stores well and actually tastes better the next day.
• ❤️ Freezer-friendly: Make it ahead and freeze it for up to 3 months.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ready to get cooking? Here’s everything you’ll need for the perfect Million Dollar Baked Ziti:

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ziti (or penne) pasta, cooked until al dente
• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 24–28 oz marinara sauce or pasta sauce of your choice
• 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Swap Ideas

• Vegetarian? Swap out the meat for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and bell peppers.
• Want a lighter version? Use low-fat cheeses and lean turkey or plant-based meat crumbles.
• Like it spicy? Add red chili flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti: Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make the ultimate Million Dollar Baked Ziti by Luna. Follow these steps and prepare to impress everyone at your table.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil the pasta in salted water just until al dente. Drain and set aside. Don’t overcook — the pasta will continue cooking in the oven.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet, brown your meat over medium heat. Add the garlic halfway through for extra flavor. Drain any grease and add your marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a large bowl, mix together:

• Ricotta (or cottage cheese)
• Softened cream cheese
• Sour cream
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and layer your ingredients:

1. Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom.
2. Add half of the cooked pasta.
3. Spread the creamy cheese mixture on top.
4. Sprinkle on half the mozzarella cheese.
5. Add the rest of the pasta.
6. Pour on the rest of the meat sauce.
7. Finish with more mozzarella and the Parmesan cheese.

Each bite is layered with love and flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Take off the foil and bake for 10–15 more minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving. Trust me — it’s worth the wait.

Serving Suggestions

Million Dollar Baked Ziti is perfect on its own, but you can make it even better with:

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
• A fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens
• A glass of red wine (like Chianti or Cabernet)

Making dinner for a crowd? Add some roasted vegetables or an easy antipasto platter.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This dish is just as good (or better) the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat:

• 🧊 Store leftovers in the fridge, sealed tight, for up to 4 days.
• 🔥 Reheat in the microwave or covered in the oven at 350°F until nice and hot.
• ❄️ Freeze before baking for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Pro tip: You can freeze individual portions for quick weeknight meals!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Million Dollar Baked Ziti ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it in the fridge, then bake when ready. Add 10 extra minutes to the bake time.

Can I use different kinds of pasta?

Totally! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work great. Just skip thin pastas like spaghetti — they won’t hold up in a bake.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

No worries. You can use more ricotta, or try mascarpone or sour cream instead. The texture will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious.

Is it kid-friendly?

Definitely! Kids love the cheesy, soft texture. Bonus: You can hide veggies inside and they won’t even notice.

Final Thoughts: Why Million Dollar Baked Ziti Belongs in Your Recipe Book

If you haven’t made this dish yet, what are you waiting for?

Million Dollar Baked Ziti by Luna is:

• Budget-friendly
• Simple to make
• Crowd-pleasing
• Perfect for weeknights and holidays
• True comfort food

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, ziti like this brings comfort, flavor, and a whole lot of yum.

Ready to Cook?

If you’ve made it this far, there’s only one thing left to do: try it out! Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to fall in love with Million Dollar Baked Ziti.

Don’t forget to share your creation on social and tag @Luna in your delicious posts. Bonus points if you share with friends and family — food this good deserves to be celebrated.

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Mangia bene and happy cooking! 🍝❤️

Love,

Luna 👩‍🍳💫