Cheesy Fire Roasted Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Zucchini
Indulge in this hearty and flavorful Cheesy Fire Roasted Baked Ziti, featuring a delightful combination of extra lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and fire-roasted tomatoes. Bursting with flavor from oregano and garlic, this dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The ziti is generously layered with a rich tomato sauce and topped with a gooey, melted mozzarella cheese that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It's a quick and easy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Extra lean ground beef
1/2 lb (ground)
Chopped sweet onion
1 cup (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (finely chopped)
Medium zucchini
1 (cut in half lengthwise and sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (none)
Fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 ounce) can (drained)
Chopped fresh oregano leaves
2 teaspoons (chopped)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Ziti pasta
8 ounces (cooked and drained)
Shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese
3/4 cup (none)
Cooking spray
to taste (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a 2-quart rectangular glass baking dish with cooking spray.
2
In a large 10-inch non-stick skillet, cook the extra lean ground beef, chopped sweet onion, and finely chopped garlic over medium heat. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
3
Add the sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soften slightly.
4
Stir in the tomato sauce, drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped fresh oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
6
Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
7
Remove the foil and sprinkle shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the baked ziti. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Cheesy Fire Roasted Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Zucchini.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients are extra lean ground beef, sweet onion, garlic, zucchini, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, fresh oregano, and ziti pasta.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size baking dish is required?
A 2-quart rectangular glass baking dish is recommended.
How should the baking dish be prepared?
Lightly spray the baking dish with cooking spray.
How long does it take to cook the ground beef?
The beef, onion, and garlic should be cooked over medium heat for approximately 6-8 minutes until browned.
What type of onion is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of chopped sweet onion.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
How do I prepare the zucchini?
Cut the medium zucchini in half lengthwise and then slice it 1/4 inch thick.
When do I add the zucchini to the skillet?
Add the zucchini after the beef has browned and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
What kind of canned tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of tomato sauce and one 14.5-ounce can of drained fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
Should the fire-roasted tomatoes be drained?
Yes, the fire-roasted diced tomatoes should be drained before being added to the skillet.
What fresh herb is used for seasoning?
Fresh chopped oregano leaves are used for seasoning.
How much oregano is required?
You will need 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh oregano leaves.
Does the ziti pasta need to be cooked beforehand?
Yes, the 8 ounces of ziti pasta should be cooked and drained before mixing.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat and vegetable mixture until evenly coated.
How long is the ziti baked initially?
The pasta mixture is baked covered with aluminum foil for 20 minutes.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese.
When is the cheese added to the dish?
The cheese is sprinkled over the top after the initial 20 minutes of baking.
How long do I bake the ziti after adding the cheese?
Bake uncovered for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, the description highlights that it is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
How much salt and pepper should be added?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What type of ground beef is recommended?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 lb of extra lean ground beef.
What size skillet should be used?
A large 10-inch non-stick skillet is recommended for cooking the meat and vegetables.
How is the zucchini cooked?
It is sliced and sautéed in the skillet with the beef for 2 minutes to soften slightly.
Does the recipe require boiling the sauce?
Yes, after adding the tomatoes and seasonings, bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to simmer.
Is the baking dish covered or uncovered?
It is covered with foil for the first 20 minutes and uncovered for the final 5-7 minutes.
What is the texture of the cheese when finished?
The cheese should be melted and bubbly.
What makes the tomatoes 'fire roasted'?
Fire-roasted tomatoes are charred over a flame to give them a smoky flavor before canning.
What category of food is this recipe?
It is categorized as a hearty pasta dish or baked ziti.