Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat: A Delicious Vegetarian Delight
This recipe delivers a hearty and satisfying baked ziti, completely meat-free! Perfect for vegetarians, meatless Mondays, or anyone looking for a flavorful, comforting pasta bake. We'll focus on building layers of cheesy, saucy goodness, ensuring a dish that's both delicious and impressive.
Why This Meatless Baked Ziti Recipe is a Winner
This recipe stands out for several reasons:
- Flavorful and Filling: We achieve richness without relying on meat, using a combination of flavorful vegetables and a robust marinara sauce.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or cheeses to personalize the dish.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This baked ziti is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family dinners, or any gathering.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time and bake it just before serving for ultimate convenience.
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Ziti:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional additions:
- 1 cup chopped zucchini or eggplant
- 1 cup chopped mushrooms
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers
- Spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Ziti Perfection
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be. Consider adding your optional vegetables during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Ricotta Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Step 4: Assemble the Ziti
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish (9x13 inch), spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
- Layer half of the cooked ziti over the sauce.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the ziti.
- Top with half of the remaining marinara sauce.
- Repeat layers: ziti, ricotta mixture, remaining marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle generously with mozzarella cheese.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown, and the ziti is heated through.
- Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Baked Ziti
- Don't overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
- Use good quality cheese: The flavor of the cheese significantly impacts the overall taste.
- Get creative with vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the ziti the day before and bake it the next day.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious baked ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!
