Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfect results

Ingredients

0/15 checked
6
servings
4 unit

ziti pasta

uncooked

1 unit

nonstick cooking spray

2 unit

onions

chopped

2 unit

garlic cloves

minced

2 unit

carrots

finely chopped

1 unit

green pepper

chopped

1 unit

zucchini

chopped

16 ounce

diced tomatoes

undrained

8 ounce

tomato sauce

1 tsp

oregano

16 ounce

black beans

rinsed and drained

10 ounce

frozen corn

thawed

2 tbsp

green chilies

chopped

8 ounce

ricotta cheese

fat-free

4 ounce

monterey jack cheese

shredded

Step 1
~5 min

Cook ziti according to package directions without salt; drain well.

Step 2
~5 min

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 3
~5 min

Coat a Dutch oven or large pot with cooking spray.

Step 4
~5 min

Add chopped onions, minced garlic, finely chopped carrots, chopped green pepper, and chopped zucchini.

Step 5
~5 min

Sauté over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring often.

Step 6
~5 min

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and oregano.

Step 7
~5 min

Bring to a boil; reduce heat to low, simmering 15 minutes.

Step 8
~5 min

Stir in rinsed and drained black beans, thawed frozen corn, and chopped green chilies.

Step 9
~5 min

Cook for 5 minutes.

Step 10
~5 min

Remove from heat; add pasta and cheeses, tossing gently.

Step 11
~5 min

Coat a 9-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.

Key Technique: Baking
Step 12
~5 min

Spoon mixture into dish.

Step 13
~5 min

Bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Step 14
~5 min

Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

Expert advice for the best results

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Top with sour cream or guacamole before serving.

For a richer flavor, use full-fat ricotta cheese.

Cooking Experience

Everything you need to know before you start

Time & Preparation

Cleanup Time

15 minutes

Batch Cooking
Friendly
Make Ahead

Can be assembled ahead of time and baked later.

Freezable
Kid Friendly

Cooking Environment

Messiness Level
Medium
Smell Intensity
Medium
Noise Level
Low
Elder Friendly
Suitable for seniors

Plating & Presentation

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a side salad or crusty bread.

Perfect Pairings

Food Pairings

Cornbread
Guacamole
Salsa

Drink Pairings

Cultural Heritage

Discover the story behind this recipe

Origin & Tradition

Region of Origin

Mexico

Cultural Significance

Comfort food, family gatherings.

Style

Occasions & Celebrations

Festive Uses

Cinco de Mayo
Dia de Muertos

Occasion Tags

Weeknight dinner
Potluck
Casual gathering

Popularity Score

75/100

More Mexican Dinner Recipes

Discover more delicious Mexican Dinner recipes to expand your culinary repertoire

Mexican
Medium
A-

Mexican Vegetarian Burrito Bowl

4.1
(201 reviews)

A flavorful and customizable Mexican Vegetarian Burrito Bowl with layers of coriander-lime rice, spicy kidney beans, sauteed peppers, guacamole, corn salsa, and your favorite toppings.

75 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (check ingredients)
75%
85
Mexican
Medium
A

Bean, Spinach, and Corn Quesadillas

4.2
(1237 reviews)

Delicious and easy-to-make quesadillas filled with refried beans, spinach, sweet corn, and cheese. A perfect weeknight meal with a Mexican twist.

50 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
70%
75
Mexican
Medium
A

Chicken Burrito

4.3
(248 reviews)

A delicious and flavorful Chicken Burrito recipe with rajma beans, bell peppers, and a variety of spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

50 min
600 cal
Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free tortillas)
Dairy-Free (if omitting cheese and sour cream)
80%
75
Mexican
Medium
B+

Chicken Chilli Cheese Quesadillas

4.0
(350 reviews)

A flavorful Mexican dish featuring chicken, cheese, and chilli in a grilled tortilla.

70 min
450 cal
Gluten-containing
Dairy-containing
70%
75
Mexican
Medium
A-

Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Stew

4.2
(289 reviews)

A hearty and flavorful Mexican chicken stew made easy in a slow cooker. Perfect for a wholesome weekend meal.

360 min
350 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free (if sour cream is omitted)
85%
75
Mexican
Medium
A-

Poblano Chili Rellenos

4.1
(1324 reviews)

Baked cheese-stuffed poblano chilies with a flavorful tomato sauce. A classic Mexican dish that's both satisfying and delicious.

50 min
350 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (if using certified gluten-free gram flour)
75%
70
Mexican
Hard
A

Mexican Sizzler

4.1
(185 reviews)

A vibrant Mexican Sizzler featuring garlic pepper rice, quinoa patties, and roasted vegetables, served on a sizzling hot plate. A delightful and impressive dish for house parties.

60 min
450 cal
Vegetarian
Gluten-Free (if cornmeal used is gluten-free)
70%
75
Mexican
Medium
A-

Salsa Marinated Chuck Steak

4.0
(1594 reviews)

A flavorful chuck steak marinated in a vibrant salsa and lime juice mixture.

120 min
400 cal
Gluten-Free
Dairy-Free
65%
75