baked ziti recipe no meat

3 min read 22-01-2025

Meta Description: Craving comfort food? This delicious meatless baked ziti recipe is cheesy, satisfying, and easy to make! Packed with flavorful vegetables and creamy ricotta, it's the perfect vegetarian weeknight meal or party dish. Get the recipe now!

Introduction

Looking for a hearty, satisfying, and completely meatless baked ziti recipe? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the cheesy, comforting goodness of classic baked ziti without any meat. It's packed with fresh vegetables and creamy ricotta cheese, making it a perfect vegetarian main course for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering. This meatless baked ziti is sure to become a family favorite!

Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely have many of them already in your pantry!

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
28 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Filling:

15 ounces ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 egg, lightly beaten
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Assembly:

1 pound ziti pasta
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prepare the Sauce:

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

2. Make the Ricotta Filling:

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

3. Cook the Ziti:

Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.

4. Assemble and Bake:

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, gently combine the cooked ziti, meatless sauce, and ricotta filling. Mix until well combined, but be careful not to break the pasta.
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
Sprinkle the top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

Add Vegetables: Enhance the flavor and nutrition by adding sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce.
Spice it Up: For a spicier ziti, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Make it Ahead: Assemble the ziti ahead of time and bake it just before serving. You can even assemble it the night before and bake it the next day. Just cover tightly and refrigerate overnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A: While ziti is traditional, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just make sure to use a pasta that holds its shape well during baking.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?

A: To make this recipe vegan, use a vegan ricotta cheese and replace the egg in the filling with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

Conclusion

This meatless baked ziti recipe is a delicious and satisfying alternative to the traditional meat-based version. It’s easy to customize to your liking, making it a versatile dish for any occasion. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting vegetarian meal! Remember to share your creations with us – we’d love to see your meatless baked ziti masterpieces!