Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey
Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey is a perfect choice for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal. This recipe offers a hearty and flavorful dish that’s ideal when you need filling dinner recipes that come together without a fuss. You’ll love this comforting classic, reimagined for a healthier twist.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ziti Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work well too.
- Ground Turkey: You can use lean ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce for convenience.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese is a good substitute.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Sauce
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Brown the Ground Turkey
Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Simmer the Sauce
Stir in the marinara sauce, water, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined.
6. Assemble the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about a third of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.
7. Layer the Ingredients
Arrange half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Top with dollops of half the ricotta mixture and then sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella. Cover with another third of the meat sauce.
8. Finish Layering
Repeat the pasta, ricotta, and mozzarella layers. Finish with the remaining meat sauce and a generous sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through. If you like, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes for a golden-brown top, watching carefully to prevent burning. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in cooked spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the meat sauce for a little heat.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina or smoked gouda for unique flavor.
- Creamy Texture: Mix a small amount of heavy cream into the ricotta mixture for an even richer filling.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions until warmed through, or cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you prepare this baked ziti ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the entire dish a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Q: What kind of ground turkey should you use?
A: Lean ground turkey (93/7 or 96/4) works best for this recipe to keep it lighter while still being flavorful.
Q: Can you freeze baked ziti?
A: Absolutely! Once cooled, you can wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Is this a good recipe for meal prepping?
A: Yes, this is an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can portion out leftovers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week, making it one of those satisfying filling dinner recipes you’ll want to make often.
Q: How do you prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
A: Cook the ziti only until al dente, meaning it’s still slightly firm. It will continue to cook in the oven, ensuring it retains a good texture.
