ground turkey baked ziti recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ground turkey baked ziti recipe

I am so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – ground turkey baked ziti. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

I love how easy it is to make and how customizable it is – you can add your favorite vegetables, spices, or even meatballs to make it your own. My kids absolutely love it, and I’m sure your family will too.

The best part is that it’s a healthy twist on traditional lasagna, using lean ground turkey and plenty of vegetables to keep everyone satisfied. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious the next day, making this recipe a great option for meal prep or a crowd-pleasing dinner party.

One of the reasons I adore this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as a fun twist on traditional pasta night. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love the smell of freshly baked pasta wafting from the oven?

It’s like a warm hug in a bowl. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and every time I’m reminded why it’s such a staple in our household – it’s just that good!

The key to this recipe is using high-quality ingredients, like fresh vegetables and lean ground turkey. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add your favorite flavors and spices to make this dish truly your own.

Ground Turkey Baked Ziti

4.9 from 1784 votes

A comforting and flavorful baked ziti dish using ground turkey, perfect for a family dinner. This recipe combines a rich tomato sauce with tender pasta and seasoned ground turkey, then baked to perfection.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

8 oz ziti pasta
1 lb ground turkey
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup tomato sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Equipment

Large skillet
Colander
Baking dish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2This will ensure that the oven is at the correct temperature when you are ready to bake the ziti.
3Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
4Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
5Al dente pasta will have a slight bite to it when you chew it.
6This should take about 8-10 minutes.
7While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
8Add the ground turkey, onion, and garlic.
9Cook, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is browned and cooked through.
10This should take about 5-7 minutes.
11You will see the turkey changing from pink to brown and the onions will become translucent.
12Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet.
13Stir well to combine.
14Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
15This will allow the flavors to meld together.
16You should see the sauce thickening slightly.
17In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and the turkey sauce.
18Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
19Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.
20Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
21This will create a cheesy, golden crust when baked.
22Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
23Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
24You should see the cheese fully melted and starting to brown slightly.
25Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
26This will allow the ziti to set slightly and make it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Colander
Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute whole wheat flour for a healthier option. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrition.

This ground turkey baked ziti recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a quick weeknight meal. The best part is that leftovers reheat beautifully, making this recipe perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years, and every time I’m reminded why it’s such a staple in our household – it’s just that good! Whether you’re serving this as a main course or side dish, I guarantee your family will love it.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ground Turkey Baked Ziti

Q: What is the best way to cook ground turkey for this recipe?

The best way to cook ground turkey for this recipe is to brown it in a pan over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up into small pieces as you go.

Q: Can I use other types of meat instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use other types of meat such as beef or pork in place of the ground turkey.

Q: How do I know when the ziti is cooked through?

You’ll know the ziti is cooked through when it’s tender but still slightly firm to the bite.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the ziti and bake it later by refrigerating or freezing the assembled dish until ready to bake.

Q: What are some good alternatives to ziti pasta?

You can substitute other types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni in place of ziti.

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