How to Make Baked Ziti for a Crowd | Make-Ahead Meal for Entertaining 20+ Guests

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and provides a similar texture.

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be less expensive.

mozzarella cheese

🥗Healthier: part-skim mozzarella

💰Cheaper: provolone cheese

Part-skim mozzarella reduces calories while provolone can be more affordable.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free and adds a cheesy flavor.

Prepare to make baked ziti for a crowd, mentioning it can be made in two casserole-sized portions or one jumbo.

Brown ground beef for about 20 minutes until fully cooked.

Simmer the sauce for about 30 minutes.

Boil ziti pasta for about 20 minutes until al dente.

Prepare the ricotta layer by mixing ricotta cheese, 1 cup of sour cream, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning in a bowl.

Spray casserole pans with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking.

Start layering by adding 2 cups of marinara sauce to the bottom of each pan, spreading it to cover the bottom.

Add a layer of cooked ziti pasta on top of the sauce.

Add a layer of a combined mozzarella and provolone cheese (1 cup per layer).

Add another layer of sauce on top of the cheese.

Repeat the layering process with ziti, cheese, and sauce until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of ricotta cheese on top.

Spread the ricotta layer evenly, adding sauce if desired to keep the pasta moist.

Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before baking.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes to keep it moist, then remove the foil to let it brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens