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 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 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
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. In a large bowl, mix together cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Spread half of the pasta mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Spoon half of the meat sauce over the pasta.
10. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meat sauce.
11. Repeat layers with remaining pasta mixture, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Let baked ziti cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 1020mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 38g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or kale between the pasta and meat sauce layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the ground beef after cooking.
- Mix the pasta and cheese mixture well to ensure even distribution of cheese.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat baked ziti, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve baked ziti in individual bowls or plates with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a few tablespoons of water or tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
- If the baked ziti is too soupy, let it bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook 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 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tomato-based
Serving suggestions:
Serve baked ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Garlicky, Creamy, Tomato, Tomato-Y