Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

Introduction

Baked ziti is a beloved Italian-American dish that’s known for its cheesy goodness and comforting flavors. Traditionally made with meat, it’s a dish that can easily be enjoyed by anyone, whether you’re a vegetarian or just in the mood for something light. In this blog, we’re going to explore how to make a delicious, meatless baked ziti that doesn’t compromise on taste, texture, or flavor.

This recipe is perfect for family dinners, parties, or any occasion when you want a hearty meal that’s both easy to prepare and sure to please. With a few simple ingredients and a little time, you’ll have a mouthwatering baked ziti ready to serve.

What You’ll Need for Meatless Baked Ziti

Let’s take a look at the ingredients you’ll need for a simple, flavorful baked ziti without meat. Most of these ingredients are staples you probably already have in your pantry, making it a super convenient recipe to put together.

For the Pasta:

• Ziti Pasta (or Penne) – 1 pound (16 oz): This is the classic pasta shape for baked ziti, but penne can be used as a substitute if needed.

For the Sauce:

• Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons: For sautéing the garlic and adding richness to the sauce.
• Garlic – 4 cloves, minced: Garlic gives the sauce a fragrant and savory depth of flavor.
• Crushed Tomatoes – 2 cans (28 oz each): This is the base of your sauce, providing that rich tomato flavor.
• Tomato Paste – 2 tablespoons: This helps to thicken the sauce and intensify the tomato flavor.
• Dried Italian Herbs – 1 tablespoon: This includes basil, oregano, and thyme, which give the sauce its aromatic flavor.
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon: A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Salt and Pepper – To taste: Season your sauce to perfection.
• Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for a little spice.
• Fresh Basil – A handful, chopped: For a burst of fresh flavor.

For the Cheese Mixture:

• Ricotta Cheese – 1 ½ cups: The creamy, rich layer that makes the baked ziti so indulgent.
• Mozzarella Cheese – 2 cups, shredded: Mozzarella provides that cheesy stretch and melt we all love.
• Parmesan Cheese – 1 cup, grated: For a salty, savory finish to the dish.
• Egg – 1: This helps bind the cheese mixture together and gives it a rich texture.

Additional Ingredients:

• Fresh Parsley – For garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Olive Oil or Non-Stick Spray – To grease your baking dish.

Slow Cooker Recipes with Mince Meat

How to Make Meatless Baked Ziti: Step-by-Step

Now that we’ve got all the ingredients ready, let’s jump into the steps to make this delicious meatless baked ziti. This recipe is pretty straightforward, and you’ll be enjoying a warm, cheesy dish in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Ziti Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the ziti pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically 8 to 10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Tomato Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prepare the tomato sauce. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the saucepan. Stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together.

After 15 minutes, add the dried Italian herbs, sugar, and any optional red pepper flakes for some heat. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Once the sauce is done, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 ½ cups of mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the egg. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This cheesy mixture will give your baked ziti that rich, creamy texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

Now it’s time to put everything together. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray. Start by spreading a small amount of the tomato sauce at the bottom of the dish to prevent the pasta from sticking.

Next, add half of the cooked ziti pasta to the dish, then pour half of the cheese mixture over the pasta, spreading it out evenly. Top with a third of the tomato sauce and sprinkle with a handful of the remaining mozzarella cheese.

Repeat this layering process with the remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and tomato sauce. Once everything is layered, sprinkle the top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a delicious, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Step 6: Let it Rest and Serve

Once your baked ziti is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle and the flavors to develop even more. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a simple salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Tips for the Best Meatless Baked Ziti

To ensure that your meatless baked ziti is as delicious as possible, here are a few tips:

1. Use Quality Cheese: Since cheese is a central part of this dish, try to use high-quality mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan. This will make a noticeable difference in taste.
2. Experiment with Vegetables: If you want to add extra flavor and nutrients, try adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce or the layers of the ziti. It’s a great way to make the dish even more wholesome.
3. Make Ahead: Baked ziti can be made ahead of time! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, just bake it as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
4. Leftovers: Baked ziti tastes even better the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.

Benefits of Choosing Meatless Baked Ziti

There are plenty of reasons to go meatless with your baked ziti. Maybe you’re trying to cut down on your meat consumption, or perhaps you have dietary restrictions that make a meatless meal a better option. No matter your reason, this meatless version still has all the cheesy, saucy goodness of the classic dish.

Here are some of the benefits of opting for a meatless baked ziti:

1. Healthier Alternative: Without the meat, this version can be lighter and lower in calories. You can even add extra vegetables to boost the nutritional value.
2. Cost-Effective: Meatless meals tend to be cheaper, which can be helpful if you’re cooking for a large group or on a budget.
3. Suitable for Various Diets: Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan (with some adjustments), or just trying to reduce your meat intake, this recipe works for many diets.
4. Kid-Friendly: Baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser, and kids especially love the cheesy, gooey texture. A meatless version can also be a great way to sneak in some extra veggies.

FAQs

Here are five frequently asked questions (FAQs) about meatless baked ziti:

1. Can I make baked ziti ahead of time?

Yes, you can make baked ziti ahead of time! Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge, uncover it, and bake as directed. If it’s cold from the fridge, you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta for baked ziti?

Absolutely! While ziti is the traditional pasta used for this dish, you can substitute it with any short pasta, such as penne, rigatoni, or macaroni. Just make sure the pasta is sturdy enough to hold up to the sauce and cheese while baking.

3. Can I make a vegan version of this baked ziti?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegan by swapping out the dairy ingredients. Use plant-based ricotta cheese (or make your own with tofu), vegan mozzarella, and vegan Parmesan alternatives. The egg in the cheese mixture can be replaced with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, allowed to sit for a few minutes to thicken).

4. How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the ziti in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quicker option.

5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor of your baked ziti. Consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even eggplant. You can mix the vegetables directly into the sauce or layer them in between the pasta and cheese for added texture and taste.

Happy Cooking!