Cottage Cheese Ziti Recipe
This cottage cheese ziti is a hearty baked pasta casserole featuring tender ziti, seasoned lean ground beef, rich pasta sauce, cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The casserole is baked covered until thoroughly heated, then finished uncovered so the cheese becomes bubbly and lightly browned.
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Ingredients
Pasta Mixture
- 10 oz lean ground beef cooked
- 1 large egg
- 8 oz ziti dry
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tsp finely minced garlic
- 1 1/2 cups whole-milk cottage cheese preferably for the creamiest consistency
- Black pepper according to taste
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning such as McCormick Gourmet
- 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce
Layers and Topping
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup pasta sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Baking Dish
- Olive oil as needed for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the dry ziti according to the package directions, removing it from the heat approximately 1–2 minutes earlier than instructed. The pasta should be tender while retaining a slight firmness. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups pasta sauce, cottage cheese, cooked lean ground beef, 1 cup mozzarella, the egg, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Add the drained ziti to the cottage cheese and meat mixture. Fold everything together gently until the pasta is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Lightly grease a 2-quart casserole dish with olive oil. Spread 1/2 cup pasta sauce across the bottom of the prepared dish.
- Transfer the coated ziti mixture into the casserole dish and distribute it in an even layer. Spoon the remaining 1/2 cup pasta sauce over the pasta, then finish with 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 3 tablespoons Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and attractively browned.
- Take the cottage cheese ziti out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.