Million Dollar Baked Ziti Recipe: A Crowd-Pleasing Casserole

If you’re looking for an indulgent, comforting, and absolutely delicious dish that will impress everyone at the table, look no further than Million Dollar Baked Ziti. This recipe transforms a classic baked ziti into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece, making it the perfect easy dinner for your family or a special occasion. Loaded with hearty meatballs, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheeses, and tender pasta, it’s an elevated twist on traditional easy pasta bake recipes.

Whether you’re planning a big Christmas baked ziti to feed a crowd or a hearty meal for 6 people on a cozy weeknight, this recipe is versatile, simple to prepare, and a guaranteed hit. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make this star-studded casserole.

Why It’s Called “Million Dollar Baked Ziti”

This dish gets its glamorous name because it’s loaded with indulgent layers of flavors and textures that feel absolutely luxurious. The combination of creamy ricotta, tangy marinara, melted mozzarella, and rich meat makes it taste like it’s worth a million bucks—but it’s still a budget-friendly option for families.

What sets it apart from your typical baked ziti easy recipes is the creamy layer of a special cheese mixture, which gives the casserole its signature richness. The result? A dish that’s decadent yet approachable and incredibly easy to make ahead of time.

Ingredients for Million Dollar Baked Ziti

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this irresistible dish:

For the Casserole:

• 1 pound ziti pasta (or penne as a substitute)
• 1 pound ground turkey (or substitute with ground beef, sausage, or a mix for added flavor)
• 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 oz; choose your favorite brand or homemade)
• 1/2 cup water (to rinse out the jar and stretch the sauce)

For the Meatballs (optional):

• 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Layer:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese

How to Make Million Dollar Baked Ziti

This easy baked ziti recipe comes together in just a few steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. (Remember, it will continue cooking in the oven.) Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Meat Sauce

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground turkey over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If using meatballs, prepare and cook them first (see the optional meatball instructions below).
2. Once the turkey is fully cooked, add the marinara sauce and 1/2 cup water. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, sour cream, cream cheese, grated Parmesan, egg, and parsley. Stir until smooth and creamy. This mixture will create the signature “million-dollar” richness in your ziti.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large greased casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
3. Add half of the cooked pasta and spread evenly.
4. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, then layer half of the remaining meat sauce.
5. Repeat with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
6. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you’d like a golden crust, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Optional: Meatball Variation

For an extra-special touch, prepare homemade meatballs to mix into your ziti:

1. Combine all meatball ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
2. Roll into small balls (about 1-inch in diameter).
3. Cook the meatballs in a skillet until browned on all sides, then simmer them in marinara sauce before assembling the casserole.

Tips for Perfect Million Dollar Baked Ziti

1. Make Ahead: This dish is ideal for meal prepping. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
2. Customize Your Protein: While ground turkey keeps this dish light, you can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken.
3. Add Vegetables: Sneak in nutrition by adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
4. Cheese Substitutes: Swap out the ricotta for cottage cheese or use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

This large pasta dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can make it a complete meal with these sides:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
• Green salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the richness.
• Roasted vegetables: Try broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While ziti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even shells work beautifully.

How do I reheat baked ziti?

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the meat and add vegetables or plant-based meat alternatives to the sauce.

Perfect for the Holidays

Planning your Christmas baked ziti? This dish is a festive and comforting choice for holiday gatherings. It’s a no-fuss way to feed a crowd while leaving everyone feeling satisfied. Pair it with a bottle of red wine and enjoy a stress-free celebration.