Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Fior di Monte cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
5. Stir in marinara sauce, water, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, Parmesan cheese, and half of the Fior di Monte cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Fior di Monte cheese on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 470
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 6g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Fior di Monte cheese can be substituted with mozzarella or provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese in between the pasta and meat sauce for a classic baked ziti.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers 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 heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Red pepper flakes
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more marinara sauce or water before baking.
- If the cheese on top is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make 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 regions of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, tomato-y
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Tomato, Herby, Rich, Comforting, Tomato-Y