Delightful Meatless Baked Ziti with Ricotta and Mozzarella
This comforting and easy recipe for meatless baked ziti with ricotta and mozzarella makes for a perfect everyday meal. With a rich combination of three cheeses—ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—along with ziti pasta and a savory tomato sauce, this dish offers a delightful blend of flavors that will satisfy your taste buds. It’s a family favorite that promises to deliver deliciousness every single time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti or another short cut pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups plus ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
Although this recipe is meatless, you have the option to make it with ground beef or pork if you prefer a heartier dish. Just follow that specific recipe!
How to Make Meatless Baked Ziti
Preheat and Prepare Pasta
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and season it with salt according to your taste. Once boiling, add in the ziti pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes. Make sure it isn’t fully cooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Set it aside for later.
Mix Cheese and Seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, crushed tomatoes, 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, the beaten egg, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Then, gently fold in the cooked ziti until everything is well combined.
Assemble the Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Pour 1 cup of tomato sauce into the dish and spread it evenly across the bottom. Carefully transfer your cheesy ziti mixture into the baking dish, making sure to spread it out evenly.
Add the Final Layers
Pour the remaining 1 cup of tomato sauce over the ziti layer. To finish, sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the ¼ cup of parmesan cheese on top.
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious meatless baked ziti!
Can I Make Baked Ziti Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This dish is fantastic for meal prep. You can layer all the ingredients in the baking dish, cover it with aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This way, you can enjoy a warm, comforting meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch at the last minute.
What to Serve with Meatless Baked Ziti?
This hearty meal pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. I love serving my meatless baked ziti with some crusty garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. These sides add a nice balance to the dish and complement its rich flavors beautifully.
Can You Freeze Meatless Baked Ziti?
Yes, you can freeze it! Whether you choose to freeze your baked ziti cooked or uncooked, just make sure to cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. This dish can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw and bake!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Baked Ziti
- Add fresh herbs like oregano, basil, or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
- If you don’t have ziti, feel free to use other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni – they will work just as well!
- If you’re a fan of spicy dishes, you can include some hot tomato sauce to take your baked ziti to the next level.
