### Keto Baked Ziti: A Low-Carb Comfort Food Delight!
📅 **Date: June 29, 2024**
When you’re in the mood for a comforting and delicious meal without all the carbs, our Keto Baked Ziti is just what you need. This hearty dish is filled with savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and fresh zucchini noodles, making it a perfect dinner option for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Let’s dive into this cheese-filled, flavor-packed recipe that will have you coming back for more!
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#### 🥄 Ingredients:
– **1 lb ground beef**
– **1/2 cup diced onion**
– **2 cloves garlic, minced**
– **1 cup marinara sauce (sugar-free)**
– **1/2 cup ricotta cheese**
– **1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese**
– **1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese**
– **2 large zucchini, spiralized or sliced into thin strips**
– **1 tbsp olive oil**
– **1 tsp dried basil**
– **1 tsp dried oregano**
– **Salt and pepper to taste**
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#### 👩🍳 Instructions:
1. **Preheat** your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, **heat olive oil** over medium heat. **Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic**. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent. Season with **salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano**.
3. **Stir in** the marinara sauce and let it simmer for a few minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, **mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese**.
5. **Layer half** of the zucchini strips in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce, followed by dollops of the cheese mixture.
6. **Repeat the layers**, ending with a generous sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella cheese.
7. **Bake** in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
8. **Let the baked ziti cool** for a few minutes before serving. **Enjoy** your flavorful, low-carb meal!
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#### ✨ Notes:
– **Zucchini Alternatives:** If you’re not a fan of zucchini, you can substitute with other low-carb vegetables such as eggplant or spaghetti squash.
– **Cheese Variations:** For a different flavor, try using cheese blends that include provolone or asiago.
– **Storage Tips:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
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#### 🍽️ Suggestions:
– **Pairing:** Serve your Keto Baked Ziti with a fresh garden salad drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
– **Wine:** Enjoy it with a glass of full-bodied red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
– **For a Crowd:** Double the recipe and bake in the same dish for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner option that everyone will love.
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#### 📜 Conclusion:
With this Keto Baked Ziti, you can enjoy all the comforts of a traditional baked ziti without any of the guilt. It’s an easy, low-carb dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Thanks to the rich flavors and creamy textures, even those not on a ketogenic diet will find this dish irresistible. So, go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite keto meal!
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#### ❓ FAQ:
**Q: Can I use pre-made spiralized zucchini?**
**A:** Yes, pre-made spiralized zucchini works just as well and can save you time in the kitchen.
**Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?**
**A:** Certainly! Substitute the ground beef with a meat substitute like ground tofu or add more veggies for a full vegetarian version.
**Q: Can I freeze the Keto Baked Ziti?**
**A:** Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 375°F until heated through.
**Q: What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?**
**A:** Cottage cheese or Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for ricotta.
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Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Keto Baked Ziti!