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Baked Ziti (Easy Freezer-Friendly Family Favorite)

Baked Ziti: Easy Freezer-Friendly Family Favorite Recipe

Baked Ziti is a delicious and easy freezer-friendly family favorite packed with layers of ziti, savory meat sauce, and creamy cheese.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 16 oz Ziti Pasta Can substitute with penne or rigatoni.
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 lb Ground Beef or Turkey Can substitute with ground chicken or meat substitutes.
  • 24 oz Marinara or Pasta Sauce Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce.
  • 1 medium Diced Onion Shallots or leeks can be alternatives.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced) Garlic powder is a substitute if needed.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Fresh basil and oregano can also be used.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Cottage cheese can be a substitute.
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese Cheddar or dairy-free options can be used.
  • 0.5 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Nutritional yeast is a vegan alternative.
  • 1 large Egg Flaxseed meal can be used as a vegan option.
For Cooking
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Any neutral oil works well.
  • to taste Salt and Pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes. Add ground meat and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, and half the grated Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper, mix well.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F. In a greased baking dish, layer meat sauce, half the ziti, ricotta mixture, and half the mozzarella. Repeat layers and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
  6. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

Allow the Baked Ziti to set before slicing for easier servings. Freeze and reheat for later enjoyment.

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