Low Carb Baked Ziti
A comforting and satisfying low carb version of baked ziti, made with rich ground beef and sausage in a hearty low-carb marinara sauce, perfect for family dinners.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about pulling a bubbling dish of baked ziti out of the oven, especially when it’s a low carb version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health. This Low Carb Baked Ziti is perfect for cozy family dinners or when you need comfort food that fits your dietary goals. With the richness of ground beef and sausage combined with a hearty low-carb marinara sauce, you’ll find this dish is a hit for everyone at the table, whether they eat low carb or not. To make it even more appealing, it’s incredibly straightforward to whip up, meaning fewer hours in the kitchen and more time to enjoy with loved ones. You may also find Keto Oven Baked Chicken useful.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
When it comes to weeknight meals, you want something that’s not just delicious but also easy to prepare. This Low Carb Baked Ziti checks all the boxes—it’s a budget-friendly recipe, packed with protein, and can be prepped ahead of time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce the flavors of classic Italian cuisine into your low-carb lifestyle. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just cooking for your family, the comfort of cheesy pasta really makes it a special occasion meal. You may also find 1 Minute Keto Brownie In A Mug useful.
The Cooking Process Explained
Preparing Low Carb Baked Ziti can be broken down into a few straightforward steps. First, you’ll begin by sautéing the onions and garlic to create a fragrant base. Then, you’ll brown the meat before mixing in the marinara sauce and spices. After that, it’s simply a matter of boiling the ziti (I use Kaizen Low Carb Ziti, which is made from lupini beans, but any lupini low carb ziti works) and layering everything in a baking dish. The beauty of this dish lies in the oven—transforming the ingredients into a bubbling, cheesy delight.
Gather These Items
To create your Low Carb Baked Ziti, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 pound ground beef sausage
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 24-25 oz low-carb marinara sauce
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon anise seeds
- 16 oz lupini low carb ziti (two 8 oz boxes)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
For a different twist on meal prep, consider pairing this dish with a side of crisp salad or roasted vegetables.
Directions to Follow
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes or until softened.
- Incorporate the ground beef and ground beef sausage into the skillet, breaking the meat into crumbles; cook until browned with no pink left (160°F on an instant-read thermometer, the USDA safe temperature for ground beef). Drain off some fat, leaving about 2-3 tablespoons for moisture.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes with juice, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and anise seeds. Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reserve 2 ½ cups of sauce in a bowl to use later and allow it to cool. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Boil the lupini ziti in generously salted water for 4-6 minutes, keeping it slightly underdone since it finishes cooking in the oven. Strain and rinse with cold water to avoid sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, and the eggs.
- Add the drained pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until coated. Mix in the reserved beef sauce.
- To assemble, spread half of the pasta mixture into a large casserole dish (9×13 or 8×10). Layer half of the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle with half of the remaining cheese. Repeat with the second layer.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Assembly and Baking
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0 OF 9 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01This dish is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. For added flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes or using a blend of different cheeses.
- 02Net carbs: 14 g per serving (30 g total minus 16 g fiber). Carbohydrates is the full total.
- 03Allergy note: lupini is a legume related to peanuts, so skip the lupini pasta if you have a peanut or legume allergy.
04Nutrition
Per serving- Calories
- 659
- Protein
- 54G
- Net carbs
- 14G
- Fat
- 43G
- Fiber
- 16G
Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber. Numbers are estimates from the ingredients listed.
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Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Low Carb Baked Ziti is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top before serving can add a lovely touch. If you’re looking for a dipping option, consider low-carb breadsticks to complement the dish.
How to Store & Freeze
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool the baked ziti completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat in the oven until heated through.
Creative Twists
If you want to experiment with flavors or textures, consider using spiralized zucchini instead of traditional ziti noodles for an extra veggie boost, or switch the meats to ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option (cook poultry to 165°F). Adding a layer of spinach or kale also boosts nutrition while maintaining that heartiness we all love.
FAQs
What can I use instead of ziti noodles?
You can use other low-carb pasta alternatives like spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles to keep the dish low carb.
How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ziti and store it unbaked in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking, which is great for meal prep.
Conclusion
Low Carb Baked Ziti is a delicious option for those looking to enjoy a classic dish while adhering to a low-carb lifestyle. For more ideas, check out Easy Low-Carb Tuscan Chicken Pasta and my Easy Baked Yogurt Recipe. Enjoy your cooking journey!
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