Ah, the warm, comforting memories of a well-crafted baked ziti. It’s a dish that reminds me of family dinners, cozy nights by the fire, and the satisfaction of a perfectly balanced meal. But, let’s be honest – with the rich flavors and gooey cheese, it’s easy to overdo it on the carbs and meat. That’s where our Melted Cheese and Hidden Veggie Baked Ziti comes in. This clever recipe replaces some of the meat with sneaky hidden veggies, making it a healthier alternative to the classic without sacrificing any of the flavor. For a meat-lovers twist, why not try pairing it with our Baked Ziti with Sausage and Rich Tomato Sauce?
Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen
Melted Cheese And Hidden Veggie Baked Ziti
★★★★★ (55 Reviews)
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
Hidden veggie mix (e.g., finely chopped carrots, zucchini, bell peppers)
Ricotta cheese
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Ground turkey
Tomato sauce
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
Directions
1
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions, then set aside.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3
Stir in the tomato sauce, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let cook for a few minutes until heated through.
4
Combine the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and hidden veggie mix in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
5
Transfer the pasta mixture to a baking dish and top with the meat sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
