Turkey Baked Ziti

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with this Easy Baked Ziti recipe. It's a family favorite that combines the heartiness of ground turkey and the rich flavors of cheese and marinara sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner night, this dish will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

🦃 1 pound ground turkey
🧄 2 cloves minced garlic
🧄 1 clove chopped garlic
🧅 1 medium onion, diced
🌿 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder
🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder
🧅 1 teaspoon minced onion
🧂 1 teaspoon adobo (optional)
🧂 1 teaspoon sea salt
🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon pepper
🧀 1 cup ricotta cheese
🥚 1 egg (optional)
🌿 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
🧄 1 teaspoon garlic paste (optional)
🧀 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
🧀 1 cup Italian cheese blend
🧀 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
🍅 2 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
🍝 1 pound ziti pasta

Instructions

1- Prep the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2- Cook the Pasta:

• In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente, following the package instructions.
• Drain and set aside.

3- Prepare the Meat Sauce:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Add minced and chopped garlic, and diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, minced onion, adobo, sea salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes.

4- Mix the Cheese Filling:

• In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, optional egg, chopped basil, and optional garlic paste.
• Mix until smooth.

5- Assemble the Ziti:

• In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread half of the cooked ziti pasta.
• Layer with half of the meat sauce and then half of the ricotta mixture.
• Sprinkle with half of the Italian cheese blend and mozzarella cheese.
• Repeat the layering with the remaining pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture.
• Top with the remaining Italian cheese blend, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese.

6- Bake:

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

7- Serve:

• Once baked, let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
• Garnish with extra basil if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: Approximately 600 calories per serving
Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates per serving: Roughly 35g protein, 25g fat, 60g carbohydrates
Equipment: Large pot, large skillet, 9x13 inch baking dish, aluminum foil

Cooking Tips

• Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Adjust the amount of cheese according to your preference.

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Easy Baked Ziti