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    Home » Recipes » Pasta

    The Easiest Baked Ziti

    Published: Feb 10, 2015 · Modified: Sep 10, 2024 by Lauren Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links.

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

    Fork with cheesy baked ziti.Pin

    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.

    I absolutely do no like it and I never will. I hate the soft, gushy texture and everything else that goes with it.

    If you are looking for some other healthier comfort food recipes, you should try this Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup, One Dish Salsa Pasta Chicken Bake, Cheesy Pesto Stuffed Chicken Breasts or this Zucchini Ravioli.

    All of these would be even more yummy with some Low Carb Bulletproof Hot Chocolate, Apple Chai Latte, Eggnog Latte and definitely some Spiked Apple Cider! 

    Also, my cookbooks are both on sale now and would make a great gift! The Everything Wheat Free Diet Cookbook and The Greek Yogurt Cookbook are both the lowest prices I have seen!

    Why You Should Make This Easy Baked Ziti

    This ziti is so easy, mainly because it only uses 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...

    I make this all the time for my family and prepare it ahead of time and place it in the refrigerator until it's ready to cook. It doesn't get much easier than this.

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Pasta- I usually use rigatoni because it is larger and more substantial, but you can use whatever pasta you'd like or have in the house.
    • Ground turkey- You can also use ground beef or ground chicken in this baked ziti recipe.
    • Onion
    • Garlic
    • Crushed Tomatoes- I like to use these crushed tomatoes in an eco-friendly carton but you can use whatever ones you like or find in the grocery store.
    • Tomato Sauce- I love to use this marinara sauce because there is no added sugar and it tastes the most like homemade suace!
    • Basil
    • Oregano
    • salt and pepper
    • Mozzarella cheese- I personally buy whole milk blocks of mozzarella cheese and shred it myself using this shredder but you can also buy pre-shred cheese.
    • Parmesan cheese- I use fresh grated Parmesan cheese in this recipe because it offers a better taste and texture.

    How To Make This Easy Baked Ziti

    This really is super easy to make. Simply cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package, drain and set aside.

    Brown the ground meat until no longer pink. Add garlic, onion, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring to a boil.

    Simmer until done and spoon the meat into the remaining sauce. Add pasta to meat sauce and mix well.

    Top with desired cheese and bake!

    I told you it was ridiculously easy, but it's one of those recipes that everyone loves and it looks like you spent a long time preparing. It's perfect for busy weeknights and holiday parties!

    Close up of the Easiest Baked Ziti in a white baking dish.Pin

    Recipe FAQ's and Expert Tips

    Aren't you supposed to cover the baked ziti before baking it?

    Some people cover it before placing it in the oven, but I keep it super easy and cook it uncovered.

    How do you prevent the baked ziti from drying out after it is cooked?

    I like to pour half the pasta/meat mixture in the casserole dish and then top with half of the shredded cheese, then pour the remaining mixture and top with the rest of the shredded mozzarella to prevent the dish from drying out.

    How long do I bake the ziti for in the oven after it's been refrigerated?

    If you are cooking the baked ziti coming right out of the refrigerator, you might want to cook for an additional 10 minutes or so until all the cheese has melted and top is lightly browned.

    Overhead picture of a easy baked ziti in a white baking dish.Pin

    Related Recipes

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    One Pot Garlic Parmesan Pasta from Damn Delicious

    Healthy Pasta Primavera from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Tuscan Chicken Pasta from Healthy Fitness Meals

    Gluten Free Shrimp Caprese Pasta from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

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    The Easiest Baked Ziti

    This easy baked ziti can also be prepared ahead of time and placed in the refrigerator and reheated for 15 minutes before serving!
    4.94 from 29 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: dinner, Main Course, main dish
    Cuisine: American, pasta
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 362kcal
    Author: Lauren Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound pasta of choice
    • 1 pound lean ground turkey
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 medium onion chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic minced
    • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes 1 can
    • 15 ounces tomato sauce 1 can
    • 1 teaspoon ground basil
    • 1 teaspoon ground oregano
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese for topping optional

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
    • Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add pasta, and cook for 7 minutes until al dente.
    • In a medium skillet, add the ground turkey. Cook for 15 minutes until no longer pink and thoroughly cooked. Set aside.
    • 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.
    • Add pasta to meat sauce and mix well.
    • Add mozzarella cheese, mix again. Sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese.
    • Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying if you'd like ( I usually leave it uncovered) 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.

    Notes

    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. It might be a perfect way to introduce a new vegetable to your kids.
    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.
    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.
    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!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 660mg | Potassium: 814mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 524IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lkellynutrition or tag #lkellynutrition!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kara

      December 19, 2023 at 10:27 am

      5 stars
      I used ground beef because that's what I keep on hand. Easy and delicious! I did use the parmesan on top, and I definitely recommend that. 🙂

      Reply
    2. Shar

      December 19, 2023 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      Indeed the easiest! And it turned out incredibly delicious and satisfying!

      Reply
    3. Jessica

      December 19, 2023 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      Yes! This was super easy ziti! Thank you so much. I think it's my kiddo's favorite dinner now!

      Reply
    4. Olivia

      November 16, 2022 at 3:10 pm

      5 stars
      This baked ziti was so easy to make! Super delicious too -- everyone in my family enjoyed it. Thank you for the yummy recipe!

      Reply
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    4.94 from 29 votes (6 ratings without comment)

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