Cheesy Ziti in Cast Iron
Hey there, busy parent! I’ve got a recipe that’s going to be a game-changer for your family dinners. Picture this: a sizzling hot cast iron skillet filled with hearty goodness that’ll have your little ones asking for seconds. It’s my Cheesy Ziti in Cast Iron, and let me tell you, it’s a lifesaver on those hectic evenings when you want something delicious and satisfying on the table, pronto.
We’re talking about a fuss-free prep that’s done in a jiffy. Just grab your trusty cast iron skillet and your favorite pasta, smother it all in a generous layer of cheese, and voilà! You’ve got a dish that’s not only a breeze to make but also practically guarantees leftovers for the next couple of nights. Who doesn’t love a two-for-one deal, especially when it tastes this good?
Now, here’s the beauty of it: this Cheesy Ziti is a family-pleaser. The ground beef brings that savory richness, while the garlic kicks in with its aromatic magic. And the pasta? Well, it’s the cozy carb-hug that ties it all together. Toss in some marinara sauce and a sprinkle of Italian herbs, then let the oven work its melty-cheesy magic. Trust me, the first whiff of that bubbling cheese will have everyone gathered ’round the kitchen, counting down the minutes. My girls literally run to the table for this when I yell, “Dinner!”
And guess what? This recipe isn’t just about the final result, it’s also a breeze to clean up. One skillet wonder, remember? Less time washing up means more time for you to kick back and enjoy a well-deserved breather.
So, grab that skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready for a dish that’s about to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into some Cheesy Ziti goodness that’ll have your little ones asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds!
Cheesy Ziti in Cast Iron
Equipment
- 1 Cast iron pan (not a skillet)
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
- 6 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 24 ounce marinara sauce
- 1/2 lb. ziti pasta
- 2 cup Mozzarella cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tsp basil dried, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp oregano dried, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp parsley dried, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes or to taste
- Kosher salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F, and bring a large pot of water to a boil (salt the water). Once the salted water is boiling, stir in your pasta.
- Place the cast iron pan over medium heat and wait for it to heat up. Add the ground beef or turkey. Brown the meat, breaking up into smaller bits, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat after the meat has browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
- At this point, the pasta should be done. Drain the pasta and set aside for the next step.
- Stir your favorite marinara sauce into the cast iron skillet, then add in the basil, oregano, parsley and red pepper. Top all of that with the cooked pasta, then stir well making sure to coat all of the pasta with the marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle the Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top. Salt and pepper to taste, and dash the top with dried basil, oregano and parsley (and red pepper if your family likes it spicier).
- Transfer the cast iron skillet to the oven and bake until the cheese has melted and browned, about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
- Try adding in sausage to the meat for a kick of flavor.