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Gluten Free Baked Ziti in baking dish with dairy-free cheese

Gluten Free Baked Ziti (Dairy-Free Option)

sam
This Gluten Free Baked Ziti is cozy, cheesy (with a dairy-free twist), and packed with classic Italian flavor perfect for chilly nights or Sunday dinners with family. A hearty baked pasta dish that everyone can enjoy!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • large skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • aluminum foil

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb gluten-free ziti or penne (brown rice or quinoa-based pasta)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (or plant-based crumbles)
  • 24 oz jar of tomato basil marinara sauce (no added sugar)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup unsweetened dairy-free ricotta-style cheese (almond or tofu-based)
  • 1 cup dairy-free shredded mozzarella (coconut or cashew-based)
  • fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook your gluten-free pasta in salted water for 1–2 minutes less than package instructions. You want it al dente, since it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add ground meat and brown until fully cooked. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the meat sauce. Gently fold in the dairy-free ricotta substitute.
  • Spread half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle half of the dairy-free mozzarella on top. Repeat with the remaining pasta and cheese.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.

Notes

Undercook pasta to avoid mushiness. Use a high-quality marinara sauce for deeper flavor. Let the baked ziti rest 10 minutes before serving for cleaner slices. Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Calories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 27gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 640mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 3.2mg
Keyword comfort food, dairy free casserole, gluten free baked ziti, pasta bake
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