Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking ground beef
- 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 large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add the jar of marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine with the ground beef mixture.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the ground beef and marinara sauce. Stir to combine.
8. Pour half of the ziti mixture into the 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining ziti mixture and cheese mixture.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the aluminum foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 492
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the ground beef mixture.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add a layer of sliced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage to the ziti mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that 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 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 basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread or a side salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream to the cheese mixture before layering it on top of the ziti.
Food safety advice:
- Make 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 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomato-y
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot and bubbly straight out of the oven.
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Region: Italian