No Meat Macaroni Dinner
A comforting vegetarian pasta dish featuring ziti baked in a rich tomato soup sauce, perfect for family dinners and those craving hearty, easy-to-make meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ziti according to the package directions and drain.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chopped onion to the cooked ziti and mix well.
- Combine the tomato soup, water, and seasoned eggs in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix the cooked ziti and onion into the tomato mixture.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes until heated through and slightly bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of ricotta cheese to the mixture before baking. You can also substitute the ziti with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or rotini. If you're looking to add more vegetables, sautéed bell peppers or spinach can enhance the dish, making it reminiscent of the flavors in Spinach-Spaghetti Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this No Meat Macaroni Dinner with a side salad for a complete meal. Garlic bread pairs wonderfully, adding a nice crunch and flavor contrast. You might also consider serving it alongside Zucchini With Pasta to create a delightful Italian-inspired feast. For a finishing touch, sprinkle fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual servings until hot. Be sure to cover the dish to retain moisture while reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of No Meat Macaroni Dinner contains roughly 1473 calories, with 19g protein, 182g carbohydrates, and 77g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (37% of the Daily Value), iron (36% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1904mg per serving (83% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated thoroughly.
What can I use instead of tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can substitute it with crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato sauce. Adding a bit of Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor, making it similar to the taste of Ellie Cox's Lasagna.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes well! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, or bake directly from frozen, increasing the baking time.
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).