How To Make Easy Baked Ziti (Ready In 1 Hour)

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.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Cook the pasta in a medium pot until al dente according to package directions, then drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown crumbled ground beef until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease.

Add spaghetti sauce, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet; stir and simmer over low heat for 2-3 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine the beaten eggs, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese; stir to combine.

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese mixture and toss to coat.

Spoon a third of the meat mixture on the bottom of the baking dish, followed by half of the pasta mixture, then repeat with another layer of meat sauce.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.

Uncover, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese on top, and return to the oven to bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens