Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake, and this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies takes it to the next level. Not only is it packed with gooey mozzarella and savory ricotta, but it also sneaks in a bounty of veggies that boost both flavor and nutrition. This dish is the perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, combining all the classic elements of baked ziti with a nutritious twist that even picky eaters will love.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both hearty and wholesome, this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies is a no-brainer. It’s simple to prepare, fully customizable, and a great way to use up vegetables hiding in your fridge. The combination of ground beef, melted cheeses, and a rich marinara sauce makes for a satisfying dish, while the grated zucchini and carrot add moisture and subtle sweetness without overpowering the classic flavors. Plus, the one-pot pasta bake means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredient Checklist
- 12 oz ziti pasta – the perfect shape to hold sauce and cheese
- 1 lb ground beef – adds heartiness and protein
- 1 cup chopped onion – for aromatic depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – a flavor essential
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped – brings a subtle crunch and sweetness
- 1 zucchini, grated – hidden veggie that adds moisture
- 1 carrot, grated – adds natural sweetness and nutrition
- 2 cups marinara sauce – use your favorite brand or homemade
- 2 cups ricotta cheese – creamy texture and mild flavor
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – for that irresistible melty top layer
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a sharp, nutty finish
- 1 tsp dried oregano – classic Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil – fragrant and earthy
- Salt and pepper to taste – to balance and enhance flavors
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing vegetables and beef
Prep & Cook Tools
- Large pot – for boiling the ziti pasta
- Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook the beef and veggies
- Grater – to shred zucchini and carrot
- Mixing bowls – for combining cheeses and sauce
- Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended) – for assembling and baking the ziti
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring ingredients
- Colander – to drain cooked pasta
From Start to Finish: Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t rinse — you want to keep the starch on the noodles for better sauce adherence.
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies and Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the peppers are slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Ground Beef and Seasonings
Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Incorporate the Hidden Veggies
Add the grated zucchini and carrot to the skillet with the beef mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and meld with the meat.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of marinara sauce with the ricotta cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Assemble the Ziti
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara-ricotta mixture on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then half of the beef and veggie mixture. Dollop and spread half of the remaining sauce mixture on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan over this layer.
Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a beautifully cheesy top.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes portioning easier.
If You’re Out Of…
- Ziti pasta: Penne or rigatoni are excellent substitutes.
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken work well too.
- Ricotta cheese: Cottage cheese (blended for smoother texture) or cream cheese can be used.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provolone or Monterey Jack are good alternatives.
- Marinara sauce: Use a tomato basil sauce or a chunky tomato sauce.
- Green bell pepper: Red or yellow bell peppers or even sautéed mushrooms add great flavor.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t overcook the pasta before baking; al dente texture will hold up better in the oven.
- Don’t skip draining the excess fat from the cooked beef—it helps keep the bake from getting greasy.
- Avoid adding too many watery vegetables beyond the grated zucchini and carrot, as it can make the dish soggy.
- Don’t forget to let the baked ziti rest before serving; cutting too soon can cause it to fall apart.
Storage Pro Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but baking preserves the texture better.
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as directed above.
Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies Q&A
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and increase the vegetables or add plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein. You can also enhance flavor with mushrooms or eggplant for a meaty texture.
What’s the best way to sneak veggies into pasta dishes?
Grating or finely chopping vegetables like zucchini and carrots allows them to blend seamlessly into the sauce, adding moisture and nutrients without altering the texture or flavor too much. This method works great for picky eaters.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the ziti a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. When ready, bake it slightly longer to ensure it’s heated through. This makes weeknight dinners or meal prep super easy.
What sides pair well with Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies?
A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables balance the richness of the baked ziti. For something creamy and complementary, try pairing it with Creamed Spinach or a cheesy vegetable bake like Broccoli Cheese Casserole.
Similar Recipes
- Baked Ziti With Ricotta – a classic cheesy pasta bake with ricotta cheese
- Creamed Spinach – a rich and creamy side that pairs perfectly with pasta dishes
- Broccoli Cheese Casserole – a comforting vegetable casserole loaded with cheese
Wrap-Up
This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies is a wholesome, crowd-pleasing meal that brings comfort and nutrition to your table. Its combination of tender pasta, flavorful ground beef, and sneaky vegetables wrapped in layers of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella makes every bite satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a meal ahead of time, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite veggies or swap cheeses to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness of this cheesy baked ziti any night of the week!
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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Hidden Veggies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 12 oz of ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside without rinsing to keep the starch on the noodles.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the peppers are slightly softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Add the grated zucchini and carrot to the skillet with the beef mixture. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and meld with the meat.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of marinara sauce with the ricotta cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In your baking dish, spread a thin layer of the marinara-ricotta mixture on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta, then half of the beef and veggie mixture. Dollop and spread half of the remaining sauce mixture on top. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan over this layer.
- Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, beef mixture, sauce, and finish with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a beautifully cheesy top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to help the layers set and make portioning easier.
Notes
- Substitute penne or rigatoni for ziti if unavailable.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- For a vegetarian option, omit meat and increase vegetables or use plant-based protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat covered in the oven for best texture.
- This dish freezes well; thaw overnight and reheat before serving.
