Healthy Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
35 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
382 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Dinner
Healthy Baked Ziti
Description
This Healthy Baked Ziti uses ziti pasta cooked to al dente mixed with a sautéed blend of lean ground beef, minced garlic, diced onions, fresh or frozen spinach, and Italian seasoning. After the meat and vegetables are cooked and combined with a choice of pasta sauce—vodka sauce is one option—the mixture is layered into a casserole dish. Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses top the pasta before baking.
The casserole is baked covered at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes to ensure the cheese melts and melds with the pasta and sauce. Broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end creates a golden, bubbly cheese crust. The dish offers a balance of tender pasta, savory meat sauce, and creamy melted cheese, enhanced by the spinach’s slight bitterness and nutritional boost.
This baked ziti serves well as a family dinner or meal prep option. It can be made a day ahead and baked directly from the refrigerator by adding additional baking time. The dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and also freezes for up to 3 months.
Using traditional pasta rather than plant-based alternatives is recommended to maintain texture during baking. Sauce quantities may need adjusting depending on pasta box size to maintain proper consistency.
Regular pasta noodles hold up better than plant-based alternatives in this recipe.For a 12 oz pasta box, increase sauce to about 32 oz for proper coverage.Assemble the dish up to a day ahead; bake from refrigerated state adding about 10 minutes extra baking time.Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredients
- 8 oz ziti pasta see note below if box is 12 oz, box
- 1 lbs ground beef 96% lean, lean
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tbsp neutral cooking oil generic cooking oil
- ½ tbsp Italian seasoning
- pinch red pepper flakes optional
- ½ cup white onion diced
- 1 cup spinach fresh or frozen
- 26 oz pasta sauce I used vodka sauce, of choice
- ⅔ cup mozzarella low fat, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
Instructions
- Start by preparing the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook ziti pasta according to boxed instructions. Once cooked, strain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Add oil and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant. Add the ground beef and allow to brown. Break up the meat as it cooks.
- Add in the Italian seasoning, diced white onions, and chopped spinach. Stir together. Cook until onions are translucent and beef is fully cooked.
- Add pasta sauce to the meat mixture and mix together. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spray a 3 quart dish with cooking spray. Add cooked ziti noodles into the casserole dish.
- Pour the meat sauce over the noodles. Stir.
- Top with both cheeses and cover with tinfoil. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted. If desired remove foil and broil the dish for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubble. Enjoy!
Notes
- Regular pasta noodles hold up better than plant-based alternatives in this recipe.
- For a 12 oz pasta box, increase sauce to about 32 oz for proper coverage.
- Assemble the dish up to a day ahead; bake from refrigerated state adding about 10 minutes extra baking time.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 382 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 serving | |
| Calories | 382kcal | 19% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 45mg | 15% |
| Sodium | 401mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 673mg | 14% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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