THE BEST BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE | QUICK & EASY DELICIOUS WEEKNIGHT DINNER | RECIPE TUTORIAL

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.

Boil salted water and cook 10 ounces of ziti pasta until al dente, then strain and set aside.

Cook 2.25 pounds of ground beef in a skillet until browned, seasoning with 2 teaspoons kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 tablespoon onion powder.

In a heavy bottom Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sauté 1 diced large onion until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Add 3 minced cloves of garlic and cook briefly.

Stir in 12 ounces of tomato paste, 1/2 cup of red wine, 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 1 cup of tomato sauce, and 2 cups of water.

Season the sauce with 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon freeze-dried basil, and 2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar. Simmer for 5-10 minutes.

Combine the cooked ground beef with the sauce, then mix in the cooked ziti pasta gradually.

In a 13-inch cast iron skillet, layer half of the pasta mixture, then add mascarpone cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella and provolone.

Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta and top with more cheese.

Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, then broil on high until the cheese is browned.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens