Baked Ziti without Ricotta

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Our Baked Ziti without ricotta combines layers of rich meat sauce, creamy bechamel, and gooey melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food!

Prep Time35

Cook Time45

Resting time20

Total Time1 50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: baked ziti, baked ziti bechamel, dairy free baked ziti

Servings: servings

Calories: 773kcal

1 tablespoon olive oil or use the meat grease
1 large yellow onion chopped finely
5 cloves garlic minced we usually do a whole bulb
1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar do this to taste, or you can use 1/8 cup red wine
1/2 tablespoon beef bouillon we use better than bouillon organic versions for dairy free
1 teaspoon dried basil omit if your crushed tomatoes have basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon granulated onion
28 oz can crushed tomatoes use another 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes if you like extra sauce
1/2 cup water use this to rinse the tomato can and get all the crushed tomatoes into the pot
salt & pepper to taste

1/4 cup butter we recommend country crock plant butter for dairy free
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 - 2 1/2 cups full fat milk warmed, we recommend Oatly full fat for dairy free
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese we recommend follow your heartf or dairy free
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
salt and pepper to taste

In a large pan, brown the ground beef and ground pork using a metal potato masher to break the meat up and as it cooks season with granulated garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper, then add in the onions and garlic.
1 lb ground beef, 1 lb ground pork, 1 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1 teaspoon parsley, salt and pepper to taste, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 5 cloves garlic minced
Add the crushed tomatoes, dried herbs and seasonings to the meat sauce along with the crushed tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, and the beef bouillon. Mix to combine and let it simmer while you make the rest of the ingredients.
1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/2 tablespoon beef bouillon, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon granulated onion, 28 oz can crushed tomatoes, 1/2 cup water, salt & pepper

Prepare the rigatoni pasta and prep the bechamel.
1 lb rigatoni
In a small saucepan on medium heat add the butter and once melted add in the flour. Cook for a minute or two then reduce the heat and gradually whisk in the warm milk. Whisk as needed as the sauce will thicken. Once thickened add the grated parmesan, granulated garlic, salt and pepper to taste.
1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 2 - 2 1/2 cups full fat milk, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, salt and pepper

Combine the rigatoni noodles with the meat sauce.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Assemble the baked ziti in a 9x13 inch casserole dish. First do a layer of rigatoni with meat sauce, then top with the bechamel, mozzarella, and parm. Add another layer of pasta with meat sauce, a layer of bechamel, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan. Repeat until you have 3-4 layers.
4-8 oz mozzarella, 2-4 oz vegan parmesan
Cover the baked ziti with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Use oven mitts to carefully remove the baked ziti from the oven. Let the baked ziti cool for 15-20 minutes before serving.

To Freeze: Assemble in a freezer-safe dish (e.g., Souper Cubes or stainless steel baking dish etc), cover tightly with foil or a lid, and freeze. To bake: Thaw overnight in the fridge or bake from frozen, adding 20–30 minutes to the baking time.
Use as much or as little bechamel that you like, and use 2 cups for a thicker bechamel, 2 1/2 for thinner - when it's done, it should coat the back of a spoon.
Adjust the balance of ground beef and pork to your taste, or use all beef, or even add ground sausage.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, bake at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.