Dairy-Free Baked Ziti with Meatballs

Indulge in the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist in this Dairy-Free Baked Ziti with Meatballs. Perfectly al dente ziti pasta comes together with juicy homemade meatballs, a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and oregano, and a generous topping of gooey dairy-free mozzarella shreds. This dish is a family-friendly dinner delight that’s both rich in flavor and completely dairy-free, making it an ideal option for those with dietary restrictions. With its golden-baked topping and hearty layers, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of traditional baked ziti while remaining completely lactose-free. Ready in just over an hour, it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium, finely chopped onion
• 4 cloves, minced garlic
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons, chopped parsley
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon, dried basil
• 1 teaspoon, dried oregano
• 1.5 cups dairy-free mozzarella shreds

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, half of the chopped onion, 2 cloves of minced garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 4

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the remaining chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2 minutes.

Step 6

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, and remaining 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 7

Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce, stirring to coat. Let simmer for another 5 minutes.

Step 8

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked ziti with the tomato and meatball mixture. Stir to mix evenly.

Step 9

Sprinkle dairy-free mozzarella shreds on top of the pasta evenly.

Step 10

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue to bake for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 11

Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your Dairy-Free Baked Ziti with Meatballs!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2384.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4498.3

Total Fat 206.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 103.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 540.6mg	0%
Sodium 8110.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 526.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.0g	0%
Total Sugars 60.5g
Protein 173.3g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 3032.6mg	0%
Iron 36.9mg	0%
Potassium 4196.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.9%

Protein: 14.9%

Carbs: 45.2%