Baked Ziti Parmigiana
Baked Ziti Parmigiana offers a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful pasta bake with rich tomato sauce and herbs, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large saucepot, brown the ground beef in oil until fully cooked. Drain and rinse with hot water to remove excess fat.
- Return the meat to the pot, add minestrone soup, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer uncovered until slightly thickened, stirring constantly.
- Meanwhile, cook the ziti according to package instructions and drain.
- Spoon a thin layer of sauce into a 9-inch square baking pan.
- Add cooked ziti on top of the sauce, then cover with remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, then top with mozzarella cheese, and finish with the remaining Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until bubbly and browned on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture. You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or even a plant-based meat alternative for lighter options. If you have leftover marinara sauce, feel free to use that instead of tomato sauce for a richer taste. This dish also works well with No Cook Noodles Lasagna for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the baked ziti with a simple side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A light Caesar salad pairs beautifully with this dish, enhancing the overall dining experience. If you're feeling indulgent, add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top before serving. This recipe is a fantastic choice for gatherings and can be complemented with other Italian recipes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, allow the baked ziti to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply cover with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Ziti Parmigiana contains roughly 303 calories, with 14g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (124% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (86% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1229mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Absolutely! Baked ziti freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).