Meatless Baked Ziti with Vegetables

Meatless Baked Ziti with Vegetables

from itsavegworldafterall.com
Dinner
70 min
504 kcal / serving

This vegetarian baked ziti is made with ricotta, mozzarella, and a veggie-loaded tomato sauce (but no meat). It's loaded with flavor and extra nutrition. Serve this easy recipe to a crowd!

Ingredients

  • 5 cupstomato sauce (jarred or homemade)
  • 1carrot (chopped into small pieces)
  • 2stalks celery (chopped into small pieces)
  • 1yellow onion (diced)
  • 2 cupsfinely chopped lacinato kale (from about 10 leaves)
  • 2 clovesgarlic (minced)
  • 16 ouncesdried ziti
  • 16 ouncesricotta cheese
  • 1egg (lightly beaten)
  • 2 cupsshredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cupshredded parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoonschopped fresh parsley (for serving)

Directions

  1. 1

    First, prep the vegetables and gather the ingredients. Get out a 13x9 baking dish. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. 2

    Pour the tomato sauce into a pot or large saucepan. Add the vegetables and cook over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the veggies are softened to your liking. Remove from heat.

  3. 3

    In the meantime, boil a pot of salted water. Cook the ziti about 2 to 3 minutes less than the package suggests. It will continue cooking in the oven, so you don't want to make it too soft. Drain and rinse the ziti.

  4. 4

    In a large bowl, mix together all of the ricotta, 1 cup of the mozzarella, ½ cup of the parmesan, and the beaten egg.

  5. 5

    Put the cooked ziti in the bowl and stir well to coat it in the cheese mixture.

  6. 6

    Pour half of the sauce into the bottom of the baking dish. Spoon the ziti and cheese mixture on top and spread it out with a spatula. Pour the rest of the sauce on top of the ziti layer. Then, sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.

  7. 7

    Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, remove the foil, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.

  8. 8

    Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. Garnish with the chopped parsley before serving. Cut into servings and enjoy!

  9. 9

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