Cheesy Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat – Comfort Food at Its Best!

Let’s be honest—some days, you just need a big, warm hug in the form of pasta. This baked ziti recipe without meat is exactly that. It’s cheesy, saucy, and ridiculously easy to throw together, making it the perfect go-to meal for busy nights, family dinners, or just treating yourself after a long day.

If you’re a fan of vegetarian baked ziti but don’t want to compromise on flavor, you’re in the right place. This homemade baked ziti is packed with creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and a rich tomato sauce that makes every bite pure comfort.

So grab your apron (or don’t—it’s a judgment-free zone), and let’s make some cheesy baked ziti magic!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

✅ It’s ridiculously easy – Minimal effort, maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ No meat, no problem – This is proof that a meatless baked ziti can still be hearty and satisfying.
✅ Cheese lovers, rejoice! – A heavenly trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes this a dream for cheese fanatics.
✅ Meal prep friendly – Make it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Looking for more easy pasta recipes? Try our 5-Step Ultimate Baked Nachos Recipe for a fun, cheesy meal idea!

Ingredients for This Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

For the Pasta

• 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a nice kick!)
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)

For the Cheese Mixture

• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Layering & Topping

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Need a quick appetizer to serve with this dish? Try our 5-Minute Avocado Spread Recipe for a fresh and healthy addition!

How to Make the Best Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente (firm but not mushy). Drain and set aside.

Pro Tip: Want to avoid soggy pasta? Cook it 1-2 minutes less than the package suggests since it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 2: Make the Sauce for Your Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

No time to simmer? You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce to save time.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.

Step 4: Assemble Your Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of sauce at the bottom. Add half of the pasta, followed by half of the ricotta mixture, half of the sauce, and half of the mozzarella.

Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Bake the No-Meat Baked Ziti

Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Let it cool for 5 minutes before digging in. Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy your homemade baked ziti!

Bonus Tip: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Want to try another comforting dish? Check out our Apple Butter Recipe for Canning—perfect for spreading on fresh bread!

FAQs About Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

Can I make this baked ziti gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your tomato sauce is gluten-free.

Can I add veggies to my baked ziti?

Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini make great additions.

How do I reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan substitutes.

Final Thoughts on This Baked Ziti Recipe Without Meat

This baked ziti recipe without meat proves that comfort food doesn’t need meat to be absolutely delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a cozy weekend treat, this cheesy, saucy dish is guaranteed to be a hit.

So go ahead, grab a fork, and enjoy every gooey, melty, comforting bite. And if you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more easy pasta recipes on BeamRecipes!

Happy cooking! 🍽️