Gluten-Free Baked Ziti

Gooey, bubbly, and gluten-free. This is what pasta dreams are made of.

Baked ziti was one of the first dishes I had to "gluten-free-ify" when we found out my daughter had Celiac disease. At first, I was skeptical-would it be mushy? Would it fall apart? But with the right pasta and a little know-how, this dish became an instant classic at our table again. It's saucy, cheesy, and seriously satisfying.

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Gluten-Free Baked Ziti

Recipe Details

Ingredients

  • 1 lb gluten-free ziti or penne pasta (cook to just shy of al dente)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage, or a combo)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) gluten-free marinara sauce
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Optional: Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil until just under al dente-1-2 mins less than package says. Drain and rinse briefly.
  2. Brown the meat: In a large skillet, cook meat until no longer pink. Drain grease. Add garlic, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and marinara. Simmer 5-10 mins.
  3. Mix ricotta filling: Combine ricotta, egg, 1/2 cup mozzarella, and 1/4 cup Parmesan. Stir until creamy.
  4. Assemble: Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). Mix cooked pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta blend in a large bowl.
  5. Layer and top: Transfer to a greased 9x13" dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
  6. Bake: Cover with foil and bake 20 mins. Remove foil, bake another 10-15 mins until bubbly and golden.
  7. Let it rest: Cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Chef Tips

The Final Word: This Gluten-Free Baked Ziti hits all the comfort food notes-cheesy, hearty, and made with love. Whether it's for a weeknight family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe belongs in your gluten-free hall of fame.