We’re in the midst of the Lenten season and this means a food restriction for us Catholics: No meat on Fridays. I’ve shared a few yummy meatless meal recipes like cheesy tuna pie, the best ever tuna casserole and more, but there is one that may take the cake as one of our family’s favorite: baked ziti.
This simple Italian-inspired dish isn’t afraid of my favorite ingredient: CHEESE! So beware if you’re looking for a low-cal meal. The thing I love about this recipe is it makes a ton and is great for leftovers (and kids love it, too!).
INGREDIENTS
- 1 – 16 oz. box of your favorite pasta (I find penne works best)
- 24 oz. ricotta cheese (can be found in the cheese section. If you’re making it that day, check for manager specials for a cheaper price)
- 1 lb. mozzarella cheese
- 32 oz. jar of spaghetti sauce (I generally use a jar and a half of the standard size and use two different kinds)
- Approx. 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
- 1 beaten egg
DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse.
In a bowl, mix pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, egg and 1 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce.
Lightly grease a glass 9×13 pan and pour in ziti mixture. Top with remaining sauce and parmesan cheese.
Bake in oven for approximately 30 minutes, let stand for 10 minutes before serving.
Great with some bread and a side salad.
What are your favorite meatless dishes?
This looks really good! I think I’ll have to try it – thanks for sharing!
No problem! Hope you like it…I don’t think you can go wrong with all that cheese though 😉
I gave up meat for Lent so this would be PERFECT! And it looks so good. I love pasta. Too much!
I’m a baking novice…I wonder if there is any harm in cutting each of the ingredients in half for a smaller family?