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–+ servings
a small baked ziti in a square baking dish next to parsley and a white napkin
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5 from 25 votes

Baked Ziti For One

This single serving baked ziti is a hearty, cheesy pasta dish made with ziti, marinara sauce, ground beef, and a blend of cheeses. Baked until bubbly, it’s an easy and satisfying meal for one.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time40 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

Equipment

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
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup marinara Sauce or tomato sauce, plus 2 tablespoons for the bottom of the dish.
  • ⅓ cup ricotta cheese
  • 6 tablespoons shredded mozzarella cheese -divided
  • 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese -divided
US - Metric

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.
  • Cook the Onions, Garlic, and Beef: 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.
  • Make the 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 mixture into the pasta/meat sauce mixture.
  • Assemble: 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: Cover the dish and bake in the middle rack for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before eating.

Video

Notes

    • Cook the Pasta Just Right: Boil the pasta until just shy of al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become too soft and lose its texture.
    • Drain Excess Grease: If your ground beef releases a lot of fat, drain it on a paper towel-lined plate before adding it back to the skillet. This prevents the dish from becoming too oily.
    • Season to Taste: Depending on the marinara sauce used, you may need to adjust the seasoning. Taste the sauce before assembling and add a pinch of salt or extra Italian seasoning if needed.
    • Layer for Even Baking: Spreading a little sauce on the bottom of the baking dish helps prevent sticking and ensures even moisture throughout the baked ziti.
    • Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts. For the best texture, grate mozzarella and Parmesan fresh.
    • Let It Rest Before Serving: Allow the baked ziti to sit for a few minutes after coming out of the oven. This helps the cheese set and makes serving easier.
 
If doubling this recipe, use a 6x8 inch or a 7x7 inch baking dish.

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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