Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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 instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Stir in dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add crushed tomatoes and water to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. In the 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
10. Pour half of the tomato sauce over the ricotta cheese mixture.
11. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
12. Repeat layers with remaining ziti pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
13. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove aluminum foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
15. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 510
Fat per serving: 22g
Carbohydrates per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet when cooking the onion and garlic.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Add chopped spinach to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Top with sliced black olives before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving so it's easier to cut into portions.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce before reheating.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it's safe to eat.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy. It's typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Tomato, Garlicky, Herby, Tomato-Y