Go Back
Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey

Linda M. Harris
Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey is a healthier spin on a classic Italian-American dish.
This comforting casserole is made with lean ground turkey, marinara sauce, ziti pasta, and layers of cheese.
It’s baked until bubbly and golden, making it a satisfying, nutritious meal for any night of the week.
Easy to prepare and customizable with extra veggies or seasonings, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 Servings
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • 1 large skillet (for cooking turkey and sauce)
  • 1 large baking dish (9x13-inch)
  • 1 medium saucepan (optional, for simmering sauce if making from scratch)
  • 1 large spoon or spatula (for stirring)
  • Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy in ingredients)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Ground Turkey

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
    Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
    Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
    Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
    Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Combine the Sauce and Turkey

  • Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine.
    Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
    Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Assemble the Ziti

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
    In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of the turkey sauce mixture on the bottom.
    Add half of the cooked pasta, followed by half of the turkey sauce.
    Spread ¾ cup of ricotta cheese over the sauce, then sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella.
    Repeat with the remaining pasta, turkey sauce, and mozzarella. Finish with a layer of Parmesan cheese on top.

Bake

  • Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
    Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground turkey for plant-based ground meat or lentils to make it vegetarian.
  • Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just bake it from frozen, adding extra time if needed.
  • Extra Veggies: For more nutritional value, consider adding sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the turkey mixture. It’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables.
  • Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as provolone or gouda for a unique flavor.
Keyword Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey