Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey and Spinach
Looking for a delicious and hearty homemade dinner recipe? This Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey and Spinach is a comforting classic, made a little lighter and packed with flavor. You’ll love how easy it is to assemble and how satisfying it is for the whole family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ziti Pasta: Penne or rigatoni work just as well.
- Ground Turkey: Lean ground beef is a good substitute.
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce, or make a simple homemade version.
- Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese can be used for a similar creamy texture.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses are great alternatives.
- Fresh Spinach: Frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, is convenient.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 large egg
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Spices:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Tools Needed: Large pot, large skillet, 9×13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Brown the Turkey and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat. Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the marinara sauce and water, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Mix until well combined. Gently fold in the fresh spinach until just incorporated.
5. Assemble the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread about one-third of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce. Dollop half of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the pasta, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with another layer of meat sauce, the remaining ziti, and the rest of the ricotta-spinach mixture. Top with the remaining meat sauce and then generously sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and extra Parmesan.
6. Bake Until Golden
Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving this delightful homemade dinner recipe.
Variation Ideas:
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.
- Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Top with fresh basil or parsley after baking for a burst of fresh flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Baked Ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or warm a larger dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water or extra sauce if it seems dry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Can you make this baked ziti ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
What kind of pasta is best for baked ziti?
Ziti pasta is traditional, but penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes because their hollow shape holds the sauce and cheese well.
How do you prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook your pasta only until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. It will finish cooking in the oven.
Can you freeze baked ziti?
Yes, baked ziti freezes very well. Once completely cooled, you can freeze it in an airtight container or as individual portions for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Is this recipe healthy?
Using lean ground turkey and fresh spinach makes this a lighter, yet still satisfying, homemade dinner recipe. You can also opt for whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
What can you serve with baked ziti?
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette and some crusty bread are perfect accompaniments to this hearty dish.
