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Growing up, pasta night at our house meant one thing: spaghetti and meatballs from a jar. That’s just how mom did it. When I tried making baked ziti at a friend’s house in college, I couldn’t believe what I’d been missing all those years.
These days, I’ve put my own spin on baked ziti by using ground turkey instead of beef. It’s a little lighter but still has that comforting, cheesy goodness we all love. Plus, it’s pretty much impossible to mess up – even my kids can help layer the pasta and cheese without any kitchen disasters.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti
- Healthier twist – Using lean ground turkey instead of beef cuts down on calories and fat while keeping all the satisfying flavor of traditional baked ziti.
- Kid-friendly meal – The combination of pasta, melty cheese, and mild turkey makes this a dish that the whole family will happily dig into.
- Make-ahead friendly – You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients – With basic pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients, you can whip up this comforting pasta bake without any fancy shopping trips.
- Great for leftovers – This ziti actually tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or lunch boxes.
What Kind of Ground Turkey Should I Use?
For baked ziti, you’ll want to look for lean ground turkey that’s labeled 93/7 or 85/15, referring to the meat-to-fat ratio. The 93/7 variety is leaner and works great in this dish, though the 85/15 will give you a bit more flavor and moisture. Regular ground turkey is usually made from dark meat, while ground turkey breast is leaner but can be a bit drier – either option works here, but I tend to go with regular ground turkey for better flavor. Just be sure to check that your turkey is fresh and hasn’t passed its “use by” date, and remember that ground turkey should have a light pink color when raw.
Options for Substitutions
This baked ziti recipe is pretty forgiving and allows for several easy swaps:
- Ground turkey: Not a fan of turkey or can’t find it? Ground beef, chicken, or Italian sausage work great here. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled meat alternatives or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and vegetables.
- Ziti pasta: Don’t worry if you can’t find ziti – penne, rigatoni, or any medium-sized tube pasta will work just fine. Just cook according to the package directions.
- Ricotta cheese: If ricotta isn’t your thing, you can use cottage cheese (just blend it smooth first) or a mix of cream cheese and sour cream for a different but tasty twist.
- Mozzarella cheese: Feel free to swap in provolone, fontina, or a mild cheddar. You could even use a mix of cheeses – whatever you have in your fridge!
- Italian herbs mix: No Italian seasoning blend? Make your own with dried basil, oregano, and thyme. Or use fresh herbs – just double the amount called for.
- Jarred sauce: While jarred sauce is super convenient, you can use homemade sauce or even canned crushed tomatoes seasoned with extra herbs and garlic.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking
The biggest mistake when making baked ziti is overcooking the pasta before it goes in the oven – cook it 2-3 minutes less than the package directions since it will continue to soften while baking, preventing mushy results. Another common error is adding cold ricotta straight from the fridge, which can create uneven spots in your casserole – instead, let it come to room temperature and mix it with some of the pasta sauce for smoother distribution. To avoid a dry final dish, make sure to use enough sauce (the pasta will absorb quite a bit during baking), and cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking to keep the moisture in. For the perfect cheesy top layer, remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking and switch to broil for just a few minutes – but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
What to Serve With Baked Ziti?
This hearty pasta dish calls for some lighter sides to balance out the meal. A crisp Caesar salad or simple green salad with Italian dressing makes the perfect fresh companion to the rich, cheesy ziti. If you’re craving some warm bread (because who isn’t?), garlic bread or breadsticks are always crowd-pleasers – they’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate. For a veggie option that isn’t salad, try some roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans with a squeeze of lemon, which add nice color to the plate and cut through the richness of the pasta.
Storage Instructions
Keep Fresh: This baked ziti is perfect for leftovers! Pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better as they meld together, making it taste even yummier the next day.
Freeze: Want to make this ahead? You can freeze baked ziti in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. I like to divide it into smaller portions before freezing – it makes it super easy to grab just what you need for a quick dinner. Just make sure it’s completely cool before freezing to avoid ice crystals.
Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes if thawed, or 40-45 minutes if frozen. Cover with foil to keep the top from getting too brown. You can also microwave individual portions – just add a splash of water or extra sauce to keep it from drying out.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 25-30 minutes |
| Total Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2500
- Protein: 130-150 g
- Fat: 100-120 g
- Carbohydrates: 230-250 g
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean minced turkey
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 2 jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce (approximately 24 ounces each)
- 2 teaspoons italian herbs mix
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to your taste
- 16 ounces ziti pasta
- 15 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a 9 x 13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook Ground Turkey and Onion
In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey along with the diced onion.
Cook until the turkey is fully browned and no pink remains in the meat.
Use paper towels to drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Step 3: Simmer the Sauce
Add your preferred pasta sauce and seasonings to the browned turkey and onion in the skillet.
Let everything simmer together on low heat to allow the flavors to meld nicely.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta.
Cook the pasta until it reaches an al dente texture, as per package instructions.
Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Add a layer of cooked pasta to your prepared casserole dish.
Cover this layer with half of the meat and sauce mixture.
Then, sprinkle about half of your cheeses over the sauce.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meat and sauce mixture, and cheeses.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place your assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Once baked, remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve your cheesy, baked pasta dish hot.
