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Healthy Baked Ziti

A wholesome and comforting baked pasta dish featuring lean ground beef, ricotta, and a rich marinara sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz whole wheat ziti pasta
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 oz marinara sauce
  • 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Boil ziti in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes; drain and reserve 1/4 cup of cooking water.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the ground beef until cooked through.
  4. Stir in minced garlic, then add marinara sauce, oregano, and red pepper flakes; simmer until thickened.
  5. Mix ricotta with half of the parmesan in a bowl until smooth.
  6. Combine pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture in the baking dish, stirring to coat.
  7. Top with mozzarella and remaining parmesan; bake for 20 minutes until bubbling and browned.
  8. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Undercook pasta by two minutes for best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.