One-Skillet Baked Ziti
Try this One-Skillet Baked Ziti recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this One-Skillet Baked Ziti recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 lb . lean ground beef
- 6 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2-15 oz cans diced tomatoes (undrained )
- 1-15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon basil (i use sweet basil)
- 1 tsp . italian seasoning
- 2-3 c . water
- 12 oz . dry ziti (can also use penne or similar shaped
- 1/2 c . half-and-half (regular or fat-free)
- 1/2 c . grated parmesan
- 8 oz . fresh mozzarella
- Carbohydrate 0 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0 g
- Fiber 0 g
- Protein 0 g
- Saturated Fat 0 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1051g)
- Sodium 0 mg
- Sugar 0 g
- Trans Fat 0 g
- Calories 0 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to low broil (500-550 F).
- Cook ground beef in an oven-safe skillet that's at least 12-inches over medium heat.
- Drain and return to pan.
- Add the garlic to the pan, and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, and Italian seasoning.
- Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
- Add 2 cups water and dry pasta.
- Bring to boil.
- Cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender. If the sauce starts to cook down too much, add additional water as needed.
- Stir in the half-and-half and parmesan cheese.
- Place slices of mozzarella on top of pasta.
- Bake until the cheese has melted, about 2-3 minutes.
One-Skillet Baked Ziti: My Go-To Weeknight Meal
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between juggling work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the last thing I want is to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen. That's why I've become a huge fan of one-skillet or one-pot meals. They're quick, easy, and minimize cleanup—a huge plus in my book! This One-Skillet Baked Ziti recipe has become a staple in our household, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that's ready in under 30 minutes. It’s hearty, cheesy, and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of days.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No fussy chopping or complicated techniques required. Just throw everything into a single oven-safe skillet, and let the oven do the work. The result is a bubbling, cheesy casserole that’s packed with flavor. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, or a satisfying meal after a long day. My family loves it, and I know yours will too. I often double the recipe to have leftovers for lunch the next day – a real time saver! I've experimented with different types of pasta, and while ziti is my favorite for its ability to hold the sauce, penne or even rigatoni work equally well. Feel free to customize it to your liking; add some spinach for extra nutrients, or swap the mozzarella for provolone or even a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Beyond the Recipe: This One-Skillet Baked Ziti isn't just a meal; it's a shortcut to a more relaxed and enjoyable evening. It frees up time for other things—spending quality time with family, catching up on my favorite shows, or simply relaxing with a good book. In the fast-paced world we live in, simple pleasures like this delicious and easy-to-prepare meal are truly invaluable. It's a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious food doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few pantry staples and some readily available ingredients, you can create a memorable meal that everyone will love. So next time you're short on time but craving a hearty and comforting dinner, give this One-Skillet Baked Ziti a try. You won't regret it!
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Veggie boost: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Meatless Monday: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled vegetarian sausage or lentils for a vegetarian version.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the ziti up to a day in advance and bake when ready to serve.
- Customize your cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
This One-Skillet Baked Ziti is more than just a recipe; it's a time-saving solution, a crowd-pleasing dish, and a testament to the fact that delicious and easy meals are entirely possible, even on the busiest of weekdays. Try it and see for yourself!
