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a small baked ziti in a square baking dish next to parsley and a white napkin
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4.97 from 27 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 oven to 350°F (177°C). Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Cook the beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add the oil, onions, garlic, ground beef, ¼ teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat, until browned.
  • Add sauce and pasta: Stir in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a minute. Remove from heat and fold in the cooked pasta.
  • Make cheese mixture: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, 2 tablespoons mozzarella, 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Gently fold into the beef and pasta mixture.
  • Assemble: Grease a 5x5-inch baking dish. Spread 2 tablespoons of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the pasta mixture and top with 2 tablespoons mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
  • Bake: Cover and bake for 20 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.

Video

Notes

  • Undercook the Pasta: Boil just until shy of al dente. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Drain the Grease: Remove excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy dish.
  • Taste the Sauce: Some marinara sauces may need extra salt or seasoning—adjust as needed.
  • Layer Properly: Add a little sauce to the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking and keep the pasta moist.
  • Grate Cheese Fresh: Freshly grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better than pre-shredded.
  • Let It Rest: Let the baked ziti sit for a few minutes after baking so it sets and is easier to serve.
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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