Million Dollar Baked Ziti – Creamy, Cheesy & Easy Pasta Casserole

Over-the-Top Creamy Baked Ziti

Looking for a hearty family meal with a mouthwatering cheesy center? This over-the-top creamy baked ziti is sure to please! It’s layered with tender pasta, browned meats, and plenty of velvety cheese. Think of it as an extravagant take on classic ziti—perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining a crowd.

Why You’ll Crave This Dish

• Simple to Prepare: It only requires a few uncomplicated steps, making it a great choice for both new cooks and busy weeknights.
• Rich, Velvety Flavors: A tangy, creamy blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and mozzarella ensures every bite is unforgettable.
• Feeds a Crowd: Whether it’s a birthday party or a Sunday feast, this casserole is large enough to satisfy everyone—or perfect to freeze for future meals.

A Comforting Crowd-Pleaser

Smooth sauce, irresistible cheese, and kid-approved tastes—the trifecta of a winning meal! Even picky eaters can’t resist the indulgent layers of tender ziti and scrumptious meat sauce. To save yourself stress, you can make it ahead or freeze it for later. Get ready for a dinner you’ll want on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Below are the main components you’ll need. If any ingredient doesn’t suit your preferences, check out the substitution tips in the next section!

• Ziti Noodles: Boil until tender (or slightly underdone if you like a firm bite).
• Italian Sausage + Ground Beef: The combination brings flavor and heartiness. Feel free to swap for turkey or chicken.
• Marinara or Spaghetti Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce.
• Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Sour Cream: The creamy trio that makes your baked ziti extra indulgent.
• Shredded Mozzarella: Melted goodness on top and inside the casserole.
• Italian Seasoning: A classic herb blend that complements the dish beautifully.
• Garlic: Boosts savory depth. Freshly minced best.

How to Prepare Over-the-Top Creamy Baked Ziti

Instead of layering everything separately, we marry the cheese mixture right into the sauce—simple and tasty! Serve it with salad and breadsticks for a warm, comforting meal.

1. Prep Your Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 6-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente (or one minute less for firm noodles). Drain and set aside.
3. Brown the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian sausage and ground beef. Drain any excess grease.
4. Garlic & Seasoning: Stir in garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add spaghetti sauce plus Italian seasoning, reduce heat, and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
5. Blend the Cheeses: In a bowl, beat together cream cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, and 1 cup of mozzarella until smooth. (A hand mixer makes it extra easy.)
6. Combine with Sauce: Fold the cheese mixture right into your simmered sauce. Stir until everything is happily blended.
7. Add Pasta: Tip the cooked ziti into the skillet and stir gently to coat each noodle. Transfer to your prepared baking dish.
8. Top & Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is golden. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.