Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole
This Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of a classic lasagna without the hassle of multiple layers. Made with tender ziti pasta, savory lean ground beef, and a creamy cottage cheese filling, this dish is smothered in marinara sauce and topped with gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe can be easily customized to meet dietary preferences, including gluten-free options. Serve this casserole hot and bubbly alongside a fresh tossed salad for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
N/A
Servings
362
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
ziti pasta
8 ounces (dry, tube shape (about 3 cups))
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (crumbled)
spaghetti sauce
3 cups (23 oz. jar)
low-fat cottage cheese
2 cups (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated)
egg
1 (beaten)
dried parsley
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
mozzarella cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble the lean ground beef and sauté until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
4
Add the spaghetti sauce to the cooked beef and stir to combine. Let simmer for a few minutes.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Mix until well blended.
6
Gently fold in the cooked ziti pasta into the cheese mixture until evenly coated.
7
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce mixture in the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
8
Layer the ziti and cheese mixture over the sauce in the baking dish.
9
Pour the remaining meat sauce over the pasta and spread evenly.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
11
After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
12
Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
13
Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
20g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Baked Ziti Casserole?
It is a comforting dish that combines ziti pasta, lean ground beef, and a creamy cottage cheese filling, topped with marinara and melted mozzarella.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of dry ziti pasta, which is a tube-shaped pasta.
How much ground beef do I need?
You will need 1/2 lb of lean ground beef, crumbled.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How many calories are in one serving of this casserole?
There are approximately 362 calories per serving.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can be easily customized to be gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Is there egg in this recipe?
Yes, one beaten egg is used in the cheese mixture to help bind the ingredients.
What type of cheese is used in the filling?
The filling uses a combination of low-fat cottage cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need 3 cups of spaghetti sauce, which is approximately a 23 oz jar.
Do I need to cook the pasta before baking?
Yes, cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente before assembling the casserole.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x13-inch baking dish is required for this recipe.
How long does the casserole need to bake in total?
The total baking time is approximately 30 to 35 minutes.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
The dish should be covered with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes of baking.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Add the shredded mozzarella after the initial 20 minutes of baking, then bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes.
How much protein is in a serving?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
What are the main seasonings used?
The recipe uses dried parsley and garlic powder for seasoning the cheese mixture.
How much fat is in this dish?
One serving contains approximately 17.5g of fat.
What should I serve with this baked ziti?
It is recommended to serve this dish hot alongside a fresh tossed salad.
How long should the casserole sit before serving?
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow it to set.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
This specific recipe uses 2 cups of low-fat cottage cheese for the creamy filling.
How much mozzarella cheese is needed for the topping?
You will need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is the ground beef cooked before going into the oven?
Yes, the ground beef should be sauteed in a skillet until fully cooked before adding the sauce and assembling.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
Each serving provides about 2.5g of fiber.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal.
How much sugar is in a serving?
There are 2g of sugar per serving.
What is the first step in assembling the layers?
Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce mixture in the bottom of the greased baking dish.
Can I add other ingredients?
Yes, the recipe description mentions it is easily customized to meet various dietary preferences.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 main ingredients listed for this casserole.
What is the texture of the pasta after cooking?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, ensuring it maintains a firm texture after baking.