Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Add cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
7. Pour half of the meat sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the ziti mixture over the sauce.
8. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ziti mixture.
9. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 525
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 1020mg
Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for a healthier version.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti pasta.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage for a more flavorful meat sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk to the cheese mixture.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian