Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Pour the pasta sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce.
7. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Pour the remaining ziti mixture into the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ziti pasta can be substituted with penne or rigatoni pasta.
- Pasta sauce can be substituted with homemade marinara sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a different flavor.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese to the ziti mixture before adding the shredded cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality pasta sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place the leftover baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more pasta sauce before baking.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil and continue baking.
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 southern region of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Comforting, Hearty