Looking for a comforting pasta bake that’s hearty, cheesy, and gluten-free? This Gluten-Free Baked Ziti delivers all the classic flavors you love without the gluten! Made with tender gluten-free ziti, a rich and savory meat sauce simmered with garlic, onions, and spices, and layers of creamy ricotta, gooey mozzarella, and nutty Parmesan, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Topped with golden-brown melted cheese and fresh basil for a burst of freshness, it’s an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings. With just 20 minutes of prep, this baked ziti recipe is a hassle-free way to enjoy classic Italian comfort food while catering to gluten-free diets. Perfectly satisfying and utterly delicious!
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the gluten-free ziti pasta according to package instructions but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Increase the heat to medium-high, add the ground beef, and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a spoon, about 8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Season the meat mixture with kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, reducing the heat to medium-low, until slightly thickened.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well.
Add the meat sauce to the pasta mixture and stir until well combined.
Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of olive oil. Pour the ziti mixture into the baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Calories |
4054 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 233.6 g | 299% | |
| Saturated Fat | 109.9 g | 550% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 818 mg | 273% | |
| Sodium | 5112 mg | 222% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 291.1 g | 106% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.1 g | 93% | |
| Total Sugars | 47.0 g | ||
| Protein | 240.2 g | 480% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 4760 mg | 366% | |
| Iron | 25.6 mg | 142% | |
| Potassium | 4886 mg | 104% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.