Go Back
Print Recipe
5 from 4 votes

Ground Turkey Baked Ziti

This Ground Turkey Baked Ziti is saucy, meaty, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. It features a homemade red sauce and a healthy swap of turkey for beef.
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Author: Maggie @ Cupcakes and Sarcasm

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 Lb Ground Turkey
  • 16 Oz Ziti Pasta
  • 1 Cup Sweet Onion, diced
  • 3 Large Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 28 Oz Canned Whole Tomatoes
  • 15 Oz Canned Tomato Sauce
  • 4 Oz Oz Low-Fat Cream Cheese, softened
  • 2 1/2 Cups Shredded Mozzarella, divided
  • 1/2 Cup Freshly Grated Parmesan
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Chopped Parsley
  • 1 1/2 Tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 2 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/2 Tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees and spray a 13”x9” casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions.
  • While pasta is cooking, add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and the onion, breaking up the turkey as it cooks. Cook until the turkey is cooked through and no longer pink.
  • When the turkey is cooked, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the canned whole tomatoes, the tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. 
  • Break up the whole tomatoes with a wooden spoon and cook on medium heat- at a low simmer for about 25 minutes. 
  • After the sauce has cooked for 25 minutes, add the softened cream cheese and cook until the cheese is melted and creamy. Add the chopped parsley, stir and remove from heat.
  • Pour half of the cooked ziti into the casserole dish. Top with 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Then top with half of the turkey-marinara. 
  • Repeat the layers again with the ziti, 1 cup of mozzarella and then the turkey-marinara. Top with the final 1/2 cup of mozzarella and the parmesan cheese. 
  • Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until it is bubbly and hot. Top with more parmesan cheese or some fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!