How to Make Vegetarian Italian Baked Ziti - A Step-by-Step Guide

Italian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting dishes. One classic Italian recipe that never fails to satisfy is Baked Ziti. Traditionally made with meat, this dish has been given a vegetarian twist to accommodate those who opt for a plant-based diet. Vegetarian Italian Baked Ziti is not only delicious, but it's also a perfect option for Meatless Mondays or for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals.

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Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 large portobello mushroom caps, chopped
  • 1 medium white onion, chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (28 ounce) jar meatless spaghetti sauce
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh Italian parsley
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup non-dairy Parmesan cheese substitute
  • 1 large egg, slightly beaten
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Information

  • Prep Time: 35 mins
  • Cook Time: 3 hrs 5 mins
  • Total Time: 3 hrs 40 mins
  • Servings: 10
  • Yield: 10 servings

  • Heat olive oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms, onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; saute until tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in spaghetti sauce, tomatoes, parsley, 1 teaspoon oregano, and basil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Oil a 9x13-inch baking pan.
  • Just before the sauce is finished, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain.
  • Combine cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, 1/2 of the Parmesan substitute, egg, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix remaining Parmesan substitute and 1/2 teaspoon oregano in another small bowl.
  • Spread 1 cup sauce in the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer 1/3 cup ziti, 1 cup sauce, and 1/3 cottage cheese mixture; repeat layers twice more. Top with any remaining sauce, then sprinkle with oregano-Parmesan blend.
  • Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven until bubbly, about 1 hour.
  • Nutrition

    353 cal.

    • Total Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 4g
    • Cholesterol: 36mg
    • Sodium: 781mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 37g
    • Dietary Fiber: 8g
    • Total Sugars: 10g
    • Protein: 17g
    • Vitamin C: 18mg
    • Calcium: 139mg
    • Iron: 2mg
    • Potassium: 501mg