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Keto Dutch Oven Baked Ziti Recipe

This Keto Dutch Oven Baked Ziti is a delicious low-carb twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. Instead of traditional ziti pasta, we’ll use a keto-friendly pasta substitute to keep the carbs low while maintaining all the rich, savory flavors. This dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that fits within your ketogenic diet.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 1 lb ground beef

Produce

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Condiments

  • 2 cups marinara sauce (sugar-free)

Pasta & Grains

  • 1 package keto-friendly pasta (e.g., shirataki noodles, zucchini noodles, or a low-carb pasta brand)

Baking & Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Substitute

  1. Cook the Keto Pasta: If using shirataki noodles, follow the package instructions for preparation (usually involves rinsing and boiling). If using zucchini noodles, you can lightly sauté them in a pan for a few minutes until tender.

Step 2: Cook the Meat

  1. Brown the Beef: Preheat a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

  1. Add Marinara Sauce: Stir in the marinara sauce and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Mix in Ricotta: Gently fold in the ricotta cheese until well combined with the beef and sauce mixture.

Step 4: Layer the Ingredients

  1. Add Pasta: Add the prepared keto-friendly pasta to the Dutch oven, mixing it well with the beef and sauce mixture.
  2. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture.

Step 5: Bake the Ziti

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Bake: Place the Dutch oven in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly browned.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Notes and Variations

Tips for Success

  • Choose the Right Keto Pasta: Shirataki noodles, zucchini noodles, or specific low-carb pasta brands work well in this recipe.
  • Season Generously: Don’t forget to season each layer of your dish to ensure maximum flavor.

Variations

  • Spicy Ziti: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (based on 6 servings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Protein: 22g

This nutritional information is approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.

This Keto Dutch Oven Baked Ziti is a fantastic low-carb alternative to the classic pasta dish. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, making it a perfect addition to your keto meal plan. Enjoy the comfort of baked ziti without the guilt!

Final Thoughts

Feel free to experiment with different keto-friendly pasta substitutes and additional seasonings to make this dish your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Keto Dutch Oven Baked Ziti