Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 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
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
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 skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with the ziti mixture. Pour the remaining meat sauce over the ziti.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the baked ziti cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a high-quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover baked ziti in the oven at 350°F 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 herbs such as basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve with garlic bread or a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more marinara sauce or water to the meat sauce before baking.
- If the cheese on top is not melted and bubbly, broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
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 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and fresh out of the oven.
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