Why Make This Recipe
Baked ziti is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s filling, cheesy, and packed with flavor. This no ricotta version simplifies the dish while still delivering a hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners or gatherings. With layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel, you won’t even miss the ricotta!
How to Make No Ricotta Baked Ziti
Ingredients :
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups meat sauce
- 2 cups béchamel sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.
How to Serve No Ricotta Baked Ziti
Serve your no ricotta baked ziti hot from the oven. It goes great with a side salad and some garlic bread for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for some extra heat.
How to Store No Ricotta Baked Ziti
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, just pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Tips to Make No Ricotta Baked Ziti
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente. It will cook more in the oven.
- Use your favorite meat sauce, whether store-bought or homemade.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- If you want more flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs to the meat sauce.
Variation
You can easily turn this dish into a vegetarian option by using a meat alternative or omitting the meat sauce entirely and using a hearty vegetable sauce instead.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses like provolone or cheddar if you prefer.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the baked ziti the day before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
What else can I add to the meat sauce?
You can add chopped onions, bell peppers, or garlic to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
No Ricotta Baked Ziti
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and cheesy baked ziti dish without ricotta, layered with pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 2 cups meat sauce
- 2 cups béchamel sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for greasing
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the béchamel sauce.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, meat sauce, béchamel sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
- Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly, garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: baked ziti, comfort food, Italian dish, pasta bake