Welcome to Lexi's Clean Kitchen, where we believe that delicious, home-cooked meals can be both comforting and wholesome. Today, we're excited to share our recipe for Baked Ziti, a classic Italian-American dish that's perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. This isn't just any baked ziti, though - it's our healthier, cleaner version, packed with flavor and free from refined ingredients.
Why Choose Lexi's Clean Kitchen Baked Ziti?
Our Baked Ziti is not only mouthwatering but also a healthier alternative to traditional recipes. Here's what sets it apart:
- Whole Wheat Pasta: We use whole wheat pasta to boost the fiber and nutrient content of our dish.
- Lean Ground Beef: We opt for lean ground beef to reduce saturated fats without compromising on protein.
- Homemade Tomato Sauce: Our sauce is made from scratch with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, avoiding added sugars and preservatives.
- Part-Skim Mozzarella: We use part-skim mozzarella to cut down on fat and calories without sacrificing that gooey, melted cheese goodness.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's a list of ingredients you'll need to create this delicious, clean baked ziti:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat ziti pasta | 12 oz (340g) |
| Lean ground beef | 1 lb (454g) |
| Onion, diced | 1 medium |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 4 cloves |
| Canned crushed tomatoes | 28 oz (794g) |
| Tomato paste | 6 oz (170g) |
| Part-skim mozzarella, shredded | 8 oz (227g) |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 1/4 cup (15g) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp (30ml) |
| Salt | 1 tsp (5g) |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp (2.5g) |
Instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients, let's dive into the cooking process:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, tomato sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with sauce.
- Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9x13-inch (23x33-cm) baking dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella and chopped basil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is lightly golden.
- Let the Baked Ziti rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
At Lexi's Clean Kitchen, we're committed to making delicious, wholesome meals that you and your family will love. Our Baked Ziti is a testament to that promise. Try this recipe today and experience the difference for yourself. Buon appetito!
