Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 pound ziti pasta
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 pound ground beef
-1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
-1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon black pepper
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
-9x13-inch baking dish
-Large pot
-Skillet
-Wooden spoon
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a 9x13-inch baking dish, layer the cooked ziti, the meat sauce, and the Parmesan cheese. Top with the mozzarella cheese.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 515
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 59g
Protein: 28g
Substitutions for Ingredients
-Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
-Tomato paste can be substituted with tomato sauce.
-Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese.
Variations:
-Add 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese to the ziti layer for a creamier texture.
-Add 1 cup of cooked, chopped spinach to the meat sauce for added nutrition.
-Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the meat sauce for added flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
-Be sure to drain the ziti well after cooking to avoid a watery dish.
-For a spicier dish, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the meat sauce.
Storage Instructions:
Baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
-Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese.
-Serve with a side of garlic bread.
Garnishes:
-Fresh basil
-Parmesan cheese
-Red pepper flakes
Pairings:
-Garlic bread
-Salad
-Roasted vegetables
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Garlic bread
-Salad
-Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the dish is too watery, be sure to drain the ziti well after cooking.
-If the dish is too dry, add a bit more tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
Food Safety Advice:
-Be sure to cook the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the dish.
-Be sure to store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Food History:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that has been around for decades. It is a popular dish for family dinners and potlucks.
Flavor Profiles:
Baked ziti is a savory dish with a combination of flavors from the ground beef, tomatoes, and cheeses. It is slightly sweet from the tomatoes and has a hint of garlic and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
Baked ziti is best served warm with a side of garlic bread and a salad.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Tomato, Comforting