Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Better Health, Better Food, Better You

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipes
  • Props
  • Wellness
  • Services
  • Contact

The Easiest Baked Ziti

February 10, 2015 by lauren.kelly 41 Comments

Pin
Share
Tweet
Share

This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. All opinions are my own.

Jump to Recipe

I am always looking for easy meals that I can put together in under 30 minutes.  This ziti can also be prepared ahead of time and placed in the refrigerator and reheated for 15 minutes before serving!

The Easiest Baked Ziti Ever! www.laurenkellynutrition.com

I know I might not be in the majority, but I don’t love all that cheese that go in traditional baked ziti.  

You know what I’m talking about, soft cheese, like ricotta? And by the way, I am Italian too.

Nope, no likey.

I publicly apologize to all fo my fellow Italians out there. I am not trying to insult anyone.

Just keeping true to myself.

That’s basically why this ziti is so easy, it only has shredded mozzarella for cheese.  Oh and maybe some grated Parmesan for topping, but that’s it.

I have never liked any soft cheeses EVER. But ricotta and cottage cheese are on the top of my list for cheese I despise.

Maybe it’s the lumps?  Of course it has to be the lumps…

Who knows? I just choose not to add it to my ziti.

So obviously this makes this ziti pretty untraditional, but that’s ok. Why eat something you don’t like?

I definitely can not. EVER.

And that’s the reason why picky kids love this ziti too.  It’s simple.  

And crazy delicious. And it doesn’t contain that lumpy cheese (sorry for those who like it!)

The Easiest Baked Ziti Ever! www.laurenkellynutrition.com

Funny, I said picky kids, but I am even pickier than my kids are!

 So maybe I should rephrase that and say “picky eaters”? In all seriousness, my kids eat a WAY bigger variety of foods than I do.

It was something I felt so strongly about when I first started to have kids. I didn’t want them to be as selective as I am.

I always wish I could be more adventurous with my eating, so I am very thankful my kids are. They actually enjoy trying new foods.

Go figure!

Either way, this dish is easy and mostly everyone loves it.  That is if you like pasta, meat sauce and cheese.  

That’s mostly everyone, right? I guess there may be a couple out there…

It’s the ultimate comfort food.

The Easiest Baked Ziti Ever! www.laurenkellynutrition.com

I used an organic spelt pasta that they sell a Target which everyone really liked.  You can use whatever pasta you choose, gluten-free, penne, whatever you’d like.

It really doesn’t matter, it’s just a personal preference. And if your children only like one specific kind of pasta, go for it!

I also used ground turkey instead of beef but again, use what you’d like.  Be open minded for this recipe, anything goes!  

Well, let’s not get crazy now.

Almost anything. Like maybe adding extra cheese.

You can never go wrong with more cheese.

I have made this with ground beef, ground turkey, ground pork ad even ground chicken. They all came out delicious and it’s an easy way to mix it up.

You can also add some vegetables to this too for added nutrition.

Broccoli, cauliflower, spinach and many other vegetables all work great in this recipe. Again, getting back to those picky kids, it might be a perfect way to introduce a new vegetable to your kids.

Especially if they like everything else in the dish. It’s definitely worth a try.

Studies show that kids are more open to trying new foods if they are continuously being exposed to them. But isn’t it annoying when they start picking through the food you cook because there’s the tiniest piece of vegetable in there??

Anyway, we still have to keep trying. I know it’s frustrating but keep at it! Try not to give up on exposing your kids to different veggies.

The Easiest Baked Ziti Ever! www.laurenkellynutrition.com
4.85 from 13 votes
Print

The Easiest Baked Ziti

Course dinner, main dish
Cuisine pasta
Servings 8 servings
Author Lauren Kelly Nutrition

Ingredients

  • 1 pound pasta of choice
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground basil
  • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add pasta, and cook for 7 minutes until al dente.
  3. In a medium skillet, add the ground turkey. Cook for 15 minutes until no longer pink and thoroughly cooked. Set aside.
  4. In a large skillet, add the oil. Cook the onion and garlic over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, making sure to stir every few minutes so the sauce doesn’t stick. Spoon some sauce into a 21⁄2-quart casserole dish so the bottom is covered (to ensure the pasta won’t stick to the bottom). Take 1 cup of sauce mixture and set aside. Spoon the meat into the remaining sauce.
  5. Add pasta to meat sauce and mix well.
  6. Add mozzarella cheese, mix again. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the aluminum foil and continue to bake another 10 minutes until the cheese has melted. Let sit for 10 minutes, and serve with the reserved cup of sauce.

If you want to make this even easier, you can also use whatever tomato sauce you’d like.  I usually make a double batch of this sauce and either freeze it or keep in my refrigerator.

But, just keeping it real…I also like to use Rao’s Marinara Sauce because there is no added sugar and it tastes so fresh and delicious. Seriously, it’s the only jar sauce that is closest to homemade!

Try it and let me know what you think. You just might be pleasantly surprised.

Again, I am all about making life easier.  Life gets to busy sometimes and meals like this are perfect for those nights.  

This ziti is on my regular rotation and my middle guy even requests this for his birthday dinner!

Tell me, what’s your favorite dinner for those hectic nights? I am always looking for new ideas.

Thanks for stopping by!

You might also like

  • Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese {Lightened Up with Greek Yogurt}Kale and Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese {Lightened Up with Greek Yogurt}
  • Mexican Quinoa Lasagna {Gluten-Free, Quick and Easy}Mexican Quinoa Lasagna {Gluten-Free, Quick and Easy}
  • Easy Balsamic ChickenEasy Balsamic Chicken
  • Lemony Cookie BarsLemony Cookie Bars
Pin
Share
Tweet
Share
Signature

Filed Under: Casseroles, Meat and Poultry, Pasta, Recipes Tagged With: baked ziti, easy weeknight meal, healthier, one pot dish, quick and easy

Comments

  1. Krista @ Joyful Healthy Eats says

    February 10, 2015 at 2:02 pm

    Andddd.. now I want pasta and its 8am! Sheesh! This sounds awesome Lauren, love the recipe girl!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 10, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      Pasta for breakfast Krista!! 😉

      Reply
  2. Christie says

    February 10, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    We are a more cheese the better family. My family would be happy with the cheese in this delicious ziti. They wouldn’t miss the ricotta at all.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 10, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      I totally agree Christie! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Kim @ The Celebration Shoppe says

    February 10, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    Sounds amazing. I might skip the meat (because my boys… such picky eaters) and try it for the whole family. 🙂

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 10, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      I hope everyone likes it Kim!

      Reply
  4. Jessica @ A Kitchen Addiction says

    February 10, 2015 at 5:04 pm

    Love easy meals like this! This ziti would disappear in no time at our house!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 10, 2015 at 5:42 pm

      Thanks Jessica!

      Reply
  5. Cyndi @ My Kitchen Craze says

    February 10, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    Perfect for dinner!! Don’t worry I am just as picky as my kids! We would all love this ziti thought! Pinned! 😉

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 11, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      Thanks Cyndi!

      Reply
  6. Rose says

    February 11, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    If this tastes half as good as it looks it doesn’t stand a chance of making it to “next-day leftovers” status 🙂

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 11, 2015 at 4:10 pm

      There probably won’t be any leftovers Rose 🙂

      Reply
  7. Monika says

    February 16, 2015 at 3:22 am

    4 stars
    I’m not afraid of food and I get my kids to try eating different foods all the time. I wish people would stop saying picky eater and challenge themselves. 🙂
    Love the recipe. Will serve it up soon for sure with a delicious raw spinach, apple and cranberry salad.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 16, 2015 at 12:17 pm

      I hope you like it Monika! And that salad sounds delicious too 🙂

      Reply
  8. keedra says

    February 23, 2015 at 7:45 pm

    5 stars
    I made this for my family and they enjoyed it.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      February 23, 2015 at 7:55 pm

      I love to hear that Keedra, thank you!

      Reply
  9. Lizzy says

    August 21, 2016 at 7:59 pm

    Hi, can I make this without meat,onions and garlic? My family is pretty picky and aren’t so keen on those. Thank You!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      August 21, 2016 at 10:08 pm

      Absolutely Lizzy! Maybe add some veggies that they do like? Tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, you name it!

      Reply
  10. akos says

    March 22, 2017 at 7:07 pm

    can’t wait to try this tonight

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      March 22, 2017 at 7:26 pm

      I hope you love it too!

      Reply
  11. Simone says

    October 4, 2017 at 12:40 pm

    5 stars
    Just made this and it is so tasty and easy to make! Just added a bit more salt. Will be making this many more times for sure!

    Reply
  12. Eur eka says

    September 30, 2018 at 2:48 pm

    4 stars
    Nice recipe, just as good with no-salt sauce and low-fat mozzarella for those on a cardiac diet—a great ‘no ricotta’ alternative, and pretty fast from prep to table… thanks for posting this tasty casserole.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      September 30, 2018 at 6:03 pm

      I am so happy you liked it! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  13. Healthy Kitchen 101 says

    December 28, 2018 at 2:43 am

    White-colored cheese, yellow-colored pasta and red meat are the most delicious combination in winter days 🙂
    – Natalie

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      April 12, 2020 at 9:34 am

      I agree!

      Reply
  14. Meagan says

    January 27, 2020 at 11:19 pm

    I’ve made this multiple times and it’s honestly been a hit every time! Thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      April 12, 2020 at 9:34 am

      Yay! So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  15. Mary says

    April 11, 2020 at 8:06 pm

    5 stars
    No ricotta in my quarantine pantry but I had some ground turkey I needed to use up ASAP. I used jarred pasta sauce because I had that and didn’t have crushed tomatoes. Otherwise followed the recipe. It came out great! I didn’t miss the ricotta at all.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      April 12, 2020 at 9:34 am

      So glad you liked it! Stay healthy!

      Reply
  16. Chef Eric Levine says

    October 16, 2020 at 6:35 am

    5 stars
    I love your recipe. Looking at this dish has already seen cravings. Yummy. It is delicious and nutritious. This is my favorite food. I followed your recipe. It is really simple and efficient. Thanks for your useful article. Delicious and amazing.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      November 7, 2020 at 5:51 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  17. eric levine says

    November 20, 2020 at 8:11 pm

    5 stars
    Taught my g-daughter this recipe to teach her how to read a recipe and cook it. Came out delicious.

    Reply
  18. marina says

    December 3, 2020 at 2:26 am

    5 stars
    I have never eaten ziti before.
    Your photo looks colorful and delicious, makes me curious, maybe I will try following this recipe tonight.

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      December 4, 2020 at 8:47 am

      I hope you love it!

      Reply
  19. Sonia says

    December 29, 2020 at 9:25 pm

    5 stars
    Now it is holiday and I have a lot of time to make whatever I want and your baked ziti recipe is always one of my favourite choice! Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      December 30, 2020 at 8:30 am

      Enjoy! Happy New Year to you!

      Reply
  20. Elliott says

    January 31, 2021 at 12:05 am

    5 stars
    Great! I just finished it last night and the result was unexpected, my wife and daughter both liked it, which made me happy. Thanks for your recipe!

    Reply
    • lauren.kelly says

      January 31, 2021 at 7:13 am

      I am so happy you all enjoyed it! Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  21. Toni says

    February 16, 2021 at 11:25 am

    5 stars
    This quickly became a favorite at my house! It is really good!

    Reply
  22. Beth says

    February 16, 2021 at 11:30 am

    5 stars
    Definitely a family favorite! So excited to make this again soon! So delicious and tasty!

    Reply
  23. Betsy says

    February 16, 2021 at 12:15 pm

    5 stars
    I completely agree with you on the ricotta! And though I actually enjoy cottage cheese, I prefer to leave it out of my ziti! I love your take on the dish. Wonderfully delicious!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Lauren Kelly

Lauren Kelly
My Newest Cookbook!
Greek Yogurt Cookbook

Most Popular Recipes

  • A simple, healthy and delicious way to eat Eggplant Parmesan. Low carb, gluten free and perfect for a busy weeknight! Eggplant Parmesan {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto Friendly}
  • Matcha Coconut Ice Cream from Lauren Kelly Nutrition #vegan #glutenfree #dairyfree Matcha Coconut Ice Cream {4 Ingredients, No Churn, Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free}
  • Gingerbread Chocolate Overnight Oats make the perfect, healthy breakfast! Gingerbread Chocolate Overnight Oats {Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free}
  • These Balsamic Green Beans are healthy and make the perfect side dish! They will be ready in 15 minutes! www.laurenkellynutrition.com Balsamic Glazed Green Beans with Cranberries and Almonds
  • Slow Cooker Thai Curried Chicken Soup {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto}
  • This Bulletproof Hot Chocolate will be your favorite winter drink! Low carb, keto, paleo & gluten free too. From Lauren Kelly Nutrition Bulletproof Hot Chocolate {Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan}
  • The Easiest Baked Ziti Ever! www.laurenkellynutrition.com The Easiest Baked Ziti
  • This Pumpkin Cornbread is healthy and delicious! www.laurenkellynutrition.com #vegan Pumpkin Cornbread {And our Disney trip}
  • 35 Healthy Appetizers from Lauren Kelly Nutrition 35 Healthy Appetizers
  • These No Bake Cookie Dough Bars are so easy to prepare and delicious! #glutenfree #sugarfree #keto #lowcarb #grainfree No Bake Cookie Dough Bars {Sugar Free, Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto}

Recent Posts

  • Eggplant Parmesan {Gluten Free, Low Carb, Keto Friendly}
  • Cheesy Almond Flour Crackers {Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Sugar Free, Dairy Free, Keto Friendly}
  • No Bake Coconut Fudge Bars {Vegan, Gluten Free, Low Carb, Sugar Free}
  • Baked Cauliflower Tots {Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Carb, Sugar Free, Keto Friendly}
  • Homemade Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups {Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan, Sugar Free, Low Carb, Keto}
Wheat-Free Cooking!
Everything Wheat Free Book

Categories



Lauren Kelly Nutrition is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program
designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.


© 2021 · Lauren Kelly Nutrition • Privacy Policy • Log in
Enter your name and email and get the weekly newsletter... it's FREE!
LAUREN KELLY NUTRITION
Your information will *never* be shared or sold to a 3rd party.