Keto Baked Ziti Creamy Cheesy CarbConscious Comfort

Keto Baked Ziti Creamy Cheesy Carbconscious Comf

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchini (approximately 1.5 lbs / 680g), sliced into thin, ziti like strips
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (3g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
• 1 pound ground beef (454g) (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup / 150g)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes (794g)
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste (170g)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (2g)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (1g)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) (0.5g)
• 1 teaspoon salt (6g)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (3g)
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese (full fat, approximately 425g)
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 25g)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5g)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.5g)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (approx. 225g)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (approx. 25g)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) (approx. 10g)

Instructions:

• Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Salt the zucchini noodles and let them sit in a colander to draw out excess moisture. Pat dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Make the Meat Sauce: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet. Drain off excess fat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Assemble the Baked Ziti: Spread a thin layer of meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Layer half of the zucchini noodles over the sauce. Spread the cheese filling evenly over the noodles. Top with the remaining zucchini noodles. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the noodles. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
• Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
• Rest & Serve: Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	450-550
Fat	30-40g
Fiber	Varies, approx. 5-8g net carbs

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course
Cuisine	Italian American

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever miss keto comfort food like crazy? I know I do. This keto baked ziti recipe is a total game changer. It's creamy, cheesy, and seriously satisfying.

Brief Overview

Baked ziti is an Italian American classic, perfect for feeding a crowd. This low carb baked ziti version keeps all the flavor.

Plus, it's ready in just over an hour. This baked ziti keto friendly recipe yields six generous servings of pure comfort.

Main Benefits

It is not just a tasty dinner. This recipe is packed with protein and healthy fats. It makes for a great weeknight meal or a potluck dish.

What makes this keto italian recipes special? The cheesy delight without the carb coma!

Craving something cheesy and comforting but trying to keep it low carb ? This recipe has got you covered. Instead of pasta, we're using zucchini noodle baked ziti ! Honestly, it's genius.

I swear, you won't even miss the regular pasta. This version of keto baked ziti is packed with flavor. It's cheesy, saucy, and totally hits the spot.

Think of it as a low carb casserole recipes that’s secretly healthy. Using zucchini noodles is a clever way to enjoy your favorite comfort food without the guilt.

Plus, it adds a sneaky serving of veggies!

This is one of my go-to easy keto dinner ideas . It's perfect for those nights when you want something quick, easy, and comforting.

And who doesn’t love a good keto ground beef recipes , right?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this incredible keto baked ziti . Trust me, it's easier than you think! This recipe is a total game changer when you need some keto comfort food .

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Okay, first, let's gather our stars.

• Zucchini Noodles: 4 medium zucchini (around 1.5 lbs / 680g ). Quality check: Look for firm, blemish free zucchini.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) for the noodles, and 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) for the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: To taste!
• Ground Beef: 1 pound ( 454g ). I usually go for 80/20 for that extra flavor.
• Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
• Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28 ounce) can ( 794g ).
• Tomato Paste: 1 (6 ounce) can ( 170g ).
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon ( 2g ).
• Dried Basil: 1/2 teaspoon ( 1g ).
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon ( 0.5g ) - optional, if you like a kick.
• Ricotta Cheese: 15 ounces ( 425g ), full fat is the way to go here.
• Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated (approx. 25g ) for the filling, and 1/4 cup grated (approx. 25g ) for the topping.
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups shredded (approx. 225g ).
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped (approx. 10g ), for garnish.

This keto ziti recipe swaps out the traditional pasta for zucchini, making it a perfect gluten free baked ziti option. It's also a sneaky way to get your veggies in! Thinking about it, it is one of the easy keto dinner ideas that you can prepare in a week night!.

Also, you can use this base for more keto italian recipes , just playing with different meats and cheeses.

Seasoning Notes

Spice up your life!

• Oregano and basil are key for that classic Italian taste.
• Red pepper flakes are great if you like a little heat.
• Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Adjust to your liking.
• Want to deepen the flavor? A dash of balsamic vinegar in the sauce can do the trick!

These combinations is what makes the experience feel authentic and it's what makes the low carb baked ziti feel like a real baked ziti keto friendly !.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple!

• Mandoline or vegetable peeler (for zucchini noodles). A sharp knife works too, but be careful!
• Large skillet or pot (for the meat sauce).
• 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Large bowl (for the cheese filling).
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Mixing spoons.

Don't have a mandoline? A regular vegetable peeler will do the trick for making zucchini noodle baked ziti . If you are like me and sometimes you forgot things, a good substitute to the baking dish is use a cast iron skillet.

So, there you have it! Once you have all of this, you are ready to start cooking this delicious low carb casserole recipes .

I have to say that this keto ground beef recipes never gets old!

Keto Baked Ziti: Creamy, Cheesy, Carb Conscious Comfort

Honestly, who doesn't love baked ziti? It's total comfort food, right? But all those carbs... Oh my gosh!. That's why I'm so excited about this keto baked ziti recipe! This version is like a magic trick, all the flavour, none of the guilt!

It's the perfect thing for anyone looking for keto comfort food that's still totally satisfying.

Forget sacrificing your cravings for a low-carb lifestyle, now you can have your ziti and eat it too!.

It's easier than you think to create a baked ziti keto friendly meal. This recipe swaps traditional pasta for zucchini noodles, making it a fantastic gluten free baked ziti option as well.

Get ready for a flavour explosion that'll have you shouting "bellissimo!" after every bite. This is one of those easy keto dinner ideas that you'll make again and again.

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Essential mise en place is key! Chop your onion, mince your garlic, and measure out all your spices before you even turn on the stove.

Organisation is your friend here. Get your zucchini sliced into ziti like strips. I use a mandoline.

Time saving organisation tips include prepping the zucchini noodles a bit ahead. You can slice them, salt them, and let them drain in a colander while you prep the rest of the ingredients.

Safety reminders : Watch those fingers with the mandoline! Please be careful!

Step-by-Step: Let's Get Cooking!

1. Dry Those Noodles: Salt zucchini noodles. Let them drain for 15 minutes to get rid of extra water, pat dry.
2. Brown the Beef: Brown 1 pound ground beef. Drain the fat. Add 1 chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened.
3. Sauce It Up: Stir in 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, pepper. Simmer for at least 15 minutes
4. Cheesy Goodness: Mix 15 ounces ricotta, 1 beaten egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble: Layer sauce, zucchini, cheese, then repeat! Top with 2 cups mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan.
6. Bake: Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 25- 30 minutes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Ziti

To avoid a watery disaster, remember "Moisture is the Enemy" thoroughly pat the zucchini noodles dry before baking to prevent a watery casserole.

Nobody wants soggy bottoms! One common mistake is not draining the zucchini noodles enough. Trust me, it makes a HUGE difference! Try this expert technique : broil the top for the last minute or two for extra bubbly cheese.

You know?

Make ahead option: Assemble the entire casserole ahead of time, cover and refrigerate. Add about 10 minutes to the baking time when you are ready to bake.

Serve with a fresh side salad.

So there you have it. This keto ziti recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy your low carb casserole recipes.

These keto italian recipes will make you feel like you are cheating. But you are not! Let me know what you think! I'm already planning my next batch.

Recipe Notes for the Perfect Keto Baked Ziti

Alright, buckle up, buttercup! We're about to dive deep into the world of keto baked ziti . This isn't just about throwing ingredients together.

It's about understanding how to make keto comfort food that actually tastes like the real deal. Honestly, this keto ziti recipe is a game changer.

I can even adapt it for gluten free baked ziti

Serving Suggestions: Level Up Your Dinner Game

Let's talk presentation. This low carb baked ziti is gorgeous on its own, but a little extra effort goes a long way.

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Picture this: a generous square of baked ziti keto friendly , sprinkled with fresh parsley, sitting proudly on a white plate. Maybe a drizzle of olive oil. You could even get fancy and serve it in individual ramekins.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. And a glass of sparkling water with lemon keeps things light and refreshing. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, a dry red wine pairs nicely with these keto italian recipes .

Storage Tips: Keep the Good Times Rolling

So, you’ve made a batch of this glorious low carb casserole recipes , and you have leftovers. Lucky you!

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Store your keto baked ziti in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing Options (if applicable): While I prefer it fresh, you can freeze this zucchini noodle baked ziti . Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave it in 1-minute intervals.

Variations: Make It Your Own!

This recipe is a starting point, not the finish line. Feel free to experiment. I’ve seen it all, the keto ground beef recipes and the ones with chicken.

• Dietary Adaptations: For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for plant based ground meat. For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the summer, use fresh basil and tomatoes. In the winter, try adding roasted butternut squash to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside and Out

This isn't just delicious. It's also packed with nutrients. It's one of the easy keto dinner ideas to make!

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving packs a protein punch, thanks to the ground beef and cheese. Zucchini noodles keep the carb count low, making it a winner for your waistline. Calories: 450-550, Protein: 40-50g, Fat: 30-40g, Net Carbs: 5-8g.
• Key Health Benefits: It’s lower in carbs than traditional ziti. The low carb baked ziti features zucchini, which are full of vitamins and fiber.

Honestly, this keto baked ziti is so good; you won't even miss the pasta. Now go forth and conquer the kitchen! You got this!