FAKE BAKED ZITI – EASY 30 MINUTE RECIPE!

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Fake Baked Ziti is the perfect 30-minute meal that delivers all the comfort of a classic baked ziti—without the wait!

Why You’ll Love This Fake Baked Ziti Recipe:

• Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
• No actual baking required: You get that cheesy, oven-baked flavor by simply broiling at the end.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will devour it.
• Gluten-free option: Works great with brown rice and quinoa pasta.

Ingredients You’ll NeED:

• 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
• 1 (24 oz) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (16 oz) box penne pasta (I used gluten-free brown rice & quinoa pasta), cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Step by Step Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, combine browned ground beef with spaghetti sauce. Stir well over medium heat.

Step 2: Melt in Ricotta: Add ricotta cheese to the sauce mixture, stirring until fully melted and combined.

Step 3: Mix in Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly coated and heated through.

Step 4: Assemble & Broil: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Broil to Perfection: Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy! Let it cool slightly before serving.

Servings:

This recipe serves 6-8 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips:

• Make ahead: Prepare everything up to step 4, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, heat on the stovetop and broil as instructed.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze before broiling. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat and broil as directed.

What to Serve with Fake Baked Ziti:

• A simple side salad with balsamic dressing
• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
• My super simple Garlicky Roasted Green Beans

Why This Recipe Works:

Traditional baked ziti can take over an hour, but this shortcut method gives you the same melty, cheesy goodness in a fraction of the time. By broiling the cheese at the end, you get that irresistible golden topping—no need to wait for it to bake!

Final Thoughts:

If you’re craving comfort food but don’t have time to wait, this Fake Baked Ziti is your new go-to recipe. It’s quick, delicious, and perfect for busy weeknights. Try it tonight and let me know how your family loves it!

Fake Baked Ziti

Lauren Bliss

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen? This Fake Baked Ziti is the perfect 30-minute meal that delivers all the comfort of a classic baked ziti—without the wait!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 8

Equipment

• 1 9×13 baking dish
• 1 large skillet

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef browned and drained
• 1 24 oz jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 15 oz container ricotta cheese
• 1 16 oz box penne pasta (I used gluten-free brown rice & quinoa pasta), cooked and drained
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, combine browned ground beef with spaghetti sauce. Stir well over medium heat.
• Melt in Ricotta: Add ricotta cheese to the sauce mixture, stirring until fully melted and combined.
• Mix in Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
• Assemble & Broil: Pour the pasta mixture into a 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
• Broil to Perfection: Place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes, just until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Serve & Enjoy!

Notes

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

• Make ahead: Prepare everything up to step 4, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, heat on the stovetop and broil as instructed.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze before broiling. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then heat and broil as directed.

Keyword baked ziti, comfort food, pasta