Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 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 cup ricotta cheese
- 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
- Aluminum foil
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 chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti pasta, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Pour half of the meat sauce into the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish. Add the ziti mixture on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ziti mixture.
7. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the dish.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top of the baked ziti before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti pasta.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ziti mixture for added nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a high-quality tomato sauce 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 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 ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Pairings:
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk to the ziti mixture before baking.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor.
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