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a small baked ziti in a square baking dish next to parsley and a white napkin
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5 from 22 votes

Baked Ziti For One

Indulge in comforting baked ziti scaled down to one perfect serving. Rich, cheesy, and satisfying, this dish is a quick yet decadent dinner solution.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: baked ziti, casserole, mini baked ziti, pasta, pasta casserole, small baked ziti
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces dried ziti or penne pasta. (⅔ cup dry pasta = 1 ¼ cup cooked ziti pasta)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped onions
  • 1 clove garlic , minced
  • 4 ounces ground beef
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt , divided
  • teaspoon red pepper flakes --optional
  • 1 cup marinara Sauce or tomato sauce, plus 2 tablespoons for the bottom of the dish.
  • cup ricotta cheese
  • 6 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese --divided
  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese --divided

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). While it heats, boil a pot of water for the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
  • Sauté the Veggies and Meat: In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions, garlic, ground beef, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook, breaking up the meat, for 8 minutes, or until browned.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Stir in marinara sauce and simmer briefly. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked pasta.
  • Creamy Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons of the Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Fold this creamy mixture into the pasta/meat sauce mixture.
  • Assemble and Bake: In a small (5x5-inch) greased baking dish, spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce. Top with half the pasta mixture, then sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
  • Bake and Enjoy! Cover the dish and bake in the middle rack for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before digging in.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips
  • Try Alternative Proteins: Ground turkey, ground pork, or a blend of both can easily replace ground beef in this baked ziti recipe, offering a unique flavor twist.
  • Explore Pasta Choices: While this recipe calls for ziti, other similarly shaped pastas like penne or rigatoni are excellent alternatives. However, feel free to get creative with the type of pasta you use.
  • Cheese Variations: Elevate the dish by experimenting with different cheeses. For a richer, cheesier experience, consider adding creamy fontina, smoked gouda, or sharp cheddar to the mix.
  • Incorporate Extra Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding a handful of fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms to your meat sauce mixture.
  • Go Vegetarian: Create a meatless version of this classic dish by omitting the ground beef and adding vegetable substitutes, such as chopped zucchini, to your pasta.
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 703kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 62g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 2176mg | Potassium: 1362mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1908IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 862mg | Iron: 6mg

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