Introduction

When the weather turns cold and the holidays approach, nothing beats a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven. And if you’re looking for a dish that effortlessly feeds a crowd, tastes incredibly satisfying, and is 100% Gluten-Free, then this Baked Ziti is your new go-to recipe.

Forget the fuss of individual lasagna noodles! This gluten-free baked ziti combines tender ziti pasta, a rich and savory meat sauce, and generous layers of gooey, melted cheese. It’s pure comfort food, perfectly suited for a cozy family dinner, a lively holiday potluck, or even a make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. Simple to assemble and universally loved, it’s a dish that truly brings joy to the table.

Why you will love this Gluten Free Baked Ziti:

• Easy & Convenient: Much simpler to assemble than traditional lasagna, with all the same great flavors.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: Uses readily available GF ziti pasta and ensures all other ingredients are safe.
• Family & Crowd-Pleaser: A universally loved dish that’s hearty and satisfying for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Assembles beautifully ahead of time, making holiday entertaining a breeze.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: Layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese are pure bliss.

Ingredient Notes and Easy Swaps:

Gluten-Free Ziti: Look for high-quality gluten-free ziti pasta. Brands like Barilla, Jovial, and Tinkyada offer excellent texture that holds up well in baking. Don’t overcook it during the initial boil!

Ground Meat: We recommend Italian sausage (mild or hot, depending on your preference) for maximum flavor, but ground beef, turkey, or a mix of meats also works well. Ensure any sausage is gluten-free.

Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite high-quality gluten-free marinara sauce. Homemade is fantastic, but a good jarred sauce saves time and can be just as delicious.

Cheese Blend: A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is classic. Whole milk ricotta offers the best creaminess. Freshly grated mozzarella melts beautifully.

Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free Option: Use plant-based ricotta, shredded mozzarella alternatives, and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Use a dairy-free milk alternative (like unsweetened almond milk) in the ricotta mixture.
• Vegetarian Option: Omit the meat and add extra sautéed vegetables to the sauce, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also add lentils or plant-based ground meat substitutes.
• Pasta Shape: While ziti is traditional, feel free to use other GF pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or even lasagna noodles (for a true lasagna bake!).

How to Make Gluten Free Baked Ziti (Step-By-Step)

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the gluten-free ziti according to package directions, cooking it slightly al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain well.

1. Make Meat Sauce: Brown the Italian sausage (or other ground meat) in a large skillet. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the marinara sauce, a splash of water/broth if needed, and season with Italian herbs. Simmer gently.

• Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, an egg (for binding), Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper.
• Layer: In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom. Add half of the cooked ziti, then dollops of the ricotta mixture, a layer of meat sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
• Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
• Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes for easier, cleaner slices.

Expert Tips For Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your GF ziti until it’s just shy of al dente. It will finish cooking in the oven and you don’t want mushy pasta!
• Season Every Layer: Don’t forget to season the ricotta mixture and the pasta lightly with salt and pepper. This builds flavor throughout the dish.
• Resting is Crucial: Just like lasagna, allowing baked ziti to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the cheese and sauce set, preventing a runny mess when you scoop it out.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the ziti, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the covered baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, see the ingredient substitutions section above for tips on using plant-based alternatives.
• What if I don’t have ziti? Penne, rigatoni, or even large elbow macaroni can be used as alternatives for a similar effect.
• How do I prevent watery baked ziti? Ensure your ricotta is drained well if it seems excessively wet. Also, make sure your pasta is cooked al dente and drained thoroughly.

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Gluten Free Baked Ziti (or Holiday Lasagna)

Equipment

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet for sauce
• Large mixing bowl
• 9×13 inch baking dish

Ingredients 1x2x3x

For the Meat Sauce

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb gluten-free Italian sausage, casings removed (or ground beef/turkey)
• 1/2cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup water or GF chicken broth
• 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta & Cheese

• 1 (16 oz) package gluten-free ziti pasta
• 1 (15 oz) container whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook gluten-free ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
2. Make Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and onion; cook, breaking up the meat, until no longer pink (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat. Stir in minced garlic, cook for 1 minute more.
3. Simmer Sauce: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water/broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and let it gently simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare Ricotta: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, 1/2 cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Assemble: Preheat oven to 375F ,190C. Spread about 1 cup of meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer with half of the cooked ziti. Top with half of the ricotta mixture (dollop evenly), half of the remaining meat sauce, and 1 1/2 cups of mozzarella. Repeat layers.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
7. Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

• For an even richer flavor, you can add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers.
• Always check the labels of all ingredients (especially sausage and marinara) to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

SPECIAL NOTE

This dish is fantastic for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It scales easily—just use a larger baking dish and adjust quantities.

Nutrition

(Note: This nutritional analysis is an estimate for one serving, assuming 10 total servings, using Italian sausage and full-fat dairy products.)

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Estimated)
Calories	480 kcal
Protein	32 g
Fat	26 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Carbohydrates	30 g
Fiber	4 g
Sugar	8g
Cholesterol	90 mg
Sodium	980 mg

Nutrition Disclaimer

All nutritional information provided is an estimate based on third-party calculators and assumes 10 equal servings. Values may vary significantly depending on the specific brands of GF pasta and sauce, the fat content of your chosen ground meat, and the types of cheese used. This information is for general guidance only.