Cheesy Ground Turkey Ziti Bake
This Cheesy Ground Turkey Ziti Bake is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal packed with flavor. Made with hearty ground turkey, ziti pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses, each bite is a delightful combination of tastes and textures. Perfectly baked to golden perfection and topped with gooey mozzarella, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Serve it hot alongside freshly baked bread and a crisp tossed salad for a complete and satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
1 lb (slightly undercooked)
Ground turkey or ground beef
1 lb (cooked)
Favorite spaghetti sauce
26 ounces (divided)
Diced tomatoes
15 ounces (canned)
Part-skim ricotta cheese
8 ounces (none)
Garlic salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Oregano
1 teaspoon (dried)
Parsley
1 teaspoon (dried)
Onion powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
Mozzarella cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Ground Turkey Ziti Bake?
It is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal featuring hearty ground turkey, ziti pasta, and a rich blend of cheeses.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ziti pasta, prepared slightly undercooked.
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
Yes, you can use 1 lb of ground beef as an alternative to ground turkey.
How much spaghetti sauce is required?
You will need 26 ounces of your favorite spaghetti sauce, which is used in divided portions.
What size can of diced tomatoes is needed?
The recipe requires one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What kind of ricotta cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 8 ounces of part-skim ricotta cheese.
How much mozzarella cheese should I buy?
You will need 12 ounces of shredded mozzarella cheese.
What dried herbs are used in the seasoning?
The seasoning includes 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and dried parsley.
How much garlic salt is added?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of garlic salt for flavoring.
Is onion powder included in the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
How much ground black pepper is needed?
You should use 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Should the ground turkey be cooked before assembly?
Yes, the ground turkey should be cooked before being added to the bake.
Why should the ziti be slightly undercooked?
Undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it reaches the perfect texture while finishing in the oven with the sauce.
Is this a good meal for a family?
Yes, it is tagged as a family meal and an easy dinner that everyone will love.
What should I serve with this ziti bake?
It is recommended to serve it hot alongside freshly baked bread and a crisp tossed salad.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While ziti is traditional, you can likely substitute it with penne or rigatoni if needed.
Is this recipe considered a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is specifically described as a convenient one-dish meal.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients used in this Cheesy Ground Turkey Ziti Bake.
What gives the dish its golden finish?
The dish is baked until the shredded mozzarella topping is golden and gooey.
Is this a comfort food recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and described as a hearty meal.
How much total meat is used?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground turkey or beef.
How much total pasta is used?
The recipe requires 1 lb of ziti pasta.
Can I use full-fat ricotta instead of part-skim?
Yes, though the recipe suggests part-skim, full-fat ricotta can be used for a richer flavor.
Is the spaghetti sauce added all at once?
No, the recipe specifies that the 26 ounces of spaghetti sauce should be divided.
What are the primary flavors in the sauce?
The flavors are built using spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic salt, oregano, parsley, onion powder, and pepper.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish should be served hot to enjoy the melted cheese and fresh flavors.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Baked ziti dishes are generally excellent for advance prep and can be assembled and baked later.
Does this recipe include any fresh vegetables?
It uses canned diced tomatoes, but it is recommended to serve it with a fresh side salad.
What is the role of ricotta in this bake?
Ricotta provides a creamy texture and rich flavor when blended with the pasta and sauce.
What type of mozzarella is best?
The recipe suggests 12 ounces of shredded mozzarella for the best melting results.