Mindy'S Baked Ziti
A hearty baked ziti dish featuring tender pasta, savory meat, creamy cheeses, and rich tomato sauce, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ziti according to package instructions, then drain.
- Cook the ground beef with a little bit of the sauce until browned, then spoon off the fat.
- Add the cooked meat to the Ricotta cheese.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg slightly and mix with Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and half of the shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Combine this cheese mixture with the meat and Ricotta mixture, then mix well.
- Add the cooked ziti to the meat-cheese mixture and stir to combine.
- Gradually add half of the tomato sauce, mixing gently after each addition.
- Spread some sauce in the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
- Pour the ziti mixture into the dish and cover with the remaining sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded Mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 40 minutes until bubbling.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a layer of cream cheese or using cottage cheese instead of Ricotta. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked ground beef or turkey. You can also substitute ziti with penne or any pasta of your choice. If you like a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Mindy's Baked Ziti with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving adds a nice touch. It pairs beautifully with Italian recipes like Mom's Lasagna or E Z Lasagna for a comforting family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mindy'S Baked Ziti contains roughly 853 calories, with 49g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (97% of the Daily Value), calcium (92% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1611mg per serving (70% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ziti mixture and assemble the dish a day in advance. Just cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to come to room temperature before popping it in the oven, or increase baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes well! To do this, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake from frozen, increasing the time as needed.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can easily substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, consider using sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers or a meat substitute like lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
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).