One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil)

If you love the comforting flavors of baked pasta but dread the extra steps of boiling noodles separately, then this One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil) is about to become your new favorite dinner hack. Combining hearty ground beef, a robust tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey mozzarella, all cooked together in a single skillet, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. The best part? No need to parboil pasta beforehand—everything cooks perfectly in one pot, saving you time and effort without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Why Cooks Rave About It

This One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil) recipe has won over home cooks for several irresistible reasons:

• Simplicity: With just one skillet, cleanup is a breeze. No multiple pots or pans to wash.
• Time-Saving: Skipping the parboil step means you spend less time prepping and more time enjoying your meal.
• Flavor-packed: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce allows every noodle to soak up rich, savory flavors.
• Family-Friendly: This dish satisfies both kids and adults with its familiar, cheesy goodness.
• Customizable: Easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste or dietary needs.

You’ll find that this recipe delivers the hearty satisfaction of traditional baked ziti but with much less fuss—perfect for anyone who loves a cozy, homemade Italian-inspired meal.

Your Shopping Guide

To make this delightful One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil), here’s what you’ll want to pick up at the store:

• 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option, or ground turkey for a lighter twist.
• 1 onion, diced: Yellow or white onions work well, adding sweetness and depth.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for robust flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Look for a high-quality brand with no added sugars or preservatives.
• 2 cups beef broth: This helps cook the pasta and adds richness. You can substitute with vegetable broth if preferred.
• 12 ounces ziti pasta, uncooked: The tubular shape holds sauce beautifully; no need to precook.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy texture and mild tang.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Opt for part-skim or whole milk mozzarella for melty goodness.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a sharp, nutty finish.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a bright herbal note that complements the rich tomato sauce.

If you want to mix things up, consider pairing this with a recipe like Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Meatball Ziti to explore different flavor profiles using similar ingredients.

Toolbox for This Recipe

To create this delicious One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil), having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable:

• Large oven-safe skillet or sauté pan: Preferably 12 inches or larger to accommodate all ingredients and go straight from stovetop to oven.
• Spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing the ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate quantities.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping onions, garlic, and basil.
• Oven mitts: Essential for safely handling the hot skillet when transferring to the oven.
• Cheese grater (optional): If you’re grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can cook the sauce and pasta in a regular skillet, then transfer everything to a baking dish before adding the cheeses and baking.

Method: One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil)

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook until no longer pink and slightly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

To the cooked beef, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their sweet aroma.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Tomatoes

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir to combine the sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet for extra flavor.

Step 4: Stir in Uncooked Pasta

Add the uncooked ziti directly into the skillet. Push the pasta down gently so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil, then reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for 12-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Add Ricotta and Mozzarella

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, dollop the ricotta cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of the shredded mozzarella across the surface. Stir lightly to create pockets of creamy cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Top the ziti with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles, and the top turns golden brown.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving. This final touch adds a burst of color and freshness to the rich dish.

For a variation with a different flavor profile, you might enjoy trying the Baked Ziti With Fire Roasted Marinara, which brings a smoky twist to the classic baked pasta.

Make It Fit Your Plan

Looking to tailor this One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil) to your lifestyle? Here are some ideas:

• Make it vegetarian: Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or lentils instead.
• Swap the cheese: Use a plant-based ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free version.
• Bulk it up: Toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and color.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
• Meal prep friendly: Portion leftovers into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.

If you enjoy experimenting with baked pasta dishes, the Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti offers a creamy, comforting alternative that’s equally simple to prepare.

Steer Clear of These

While this recipe is forgiving, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid for the best results:

• Overcrowding the skillet: Using a skillet that’s too small can cause uneven cooking of pasta and sauce.
• Skipping the simmer: The pasta needs time to absorb the liquid and cook through; rushing this step leads to undercooked noodles.
• Using too little liquid: Insufficient broth will cause the pasta to dry out or burn.
• Not using an oven-safe skillet: Removing the skillet from stovetop to oven is key; non-oven-safe pans require transferring to a baking dish.

Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat

This One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil) is perfect for leftovers and meal prep:

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Microwave individual servings or reheat in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Allow the dish to thaw overnight in the fridge for best reheating results. Cheese may thicken upon cooling but will melt freshly when heated.

Questions People Ask

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ziti is traditional, penne, rigatoni, or even small shells work well because they hold onto the sauce nicely. Just keep the pasta shape chunky enough to avoid mushiness.

Do I have to use ground beef? Can I substitute something else?

You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using leaner meats to prevent drying out.

What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?

If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese or cream cheese can be used as a creamy alternative. They will change the texture slightly but still provide that luscious, cheesy mouthfeel.

Is it okay to cook this recipe entirely on the stovetop without baking?

While you can cook the pasta and sauce on the stovetop, baking the dish allows the cheese to melt evenly and develop a golden crust that enhances flavor and texture. If skipping the oven, stir in the cheese and cover to melt before serving.

You Might Also Like

• Baked Ziti With Fire Roasted Marinara – A smoky, vibrant twist on classic baked ziti.
• Roasted Red Pepper Turkey Meatball Ziti – A comforting pasta dish featuring flavorful turkey meatballs.
• Cheesy Baked Chicken Alfredo Ziti – Creamy baked ziti with tender chicken and rich Alfredo sauce.

Final Bite

This One-Skillet Baked Ziti (No Parboil) is a kitchen lifesaver for anyone craving a hearty, cheesy pasta bake without the hassle. The simplicity of cooking pasta directly in the sauce, combined with layers of creamy ricotta and mozzarella, creates a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to pull off. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. Serve it up with a crisp salad or crusty bread, and you’ve got a meal that’s bursting with comfort and flavor.

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