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 (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
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. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
6. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat with remaining ziti mixture and mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 476
- Fat per serving: 20g
- Carbohydrates per serving: 44g
- Protein per serving: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ziti pasta can be substituted with penne or rigatoni.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or fontina cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for an extra boost of flavor.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a richer meat sauce.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese between the ziti mixture and mozzarella cheese for a classic baked ziti variation.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese 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, place the baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high 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 for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or broth to the meat sauce before mixing with the pasta.
- If the cheese is not melted and bubbly after the recommended baking time, broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover baked ziti in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and is a popular comfort food in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Tomato, Garlicky, Herby, Tomato-Y