Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup crumbled Brebiblu cheese
- 1 cup 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, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any large pieces with a wooden spoon.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta, Parmesan cheese, Brebiblu cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
7. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta mixture and stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 540
- Total fat: 25g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 950mg
- Total carbohydrates: 43g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Brebiblu cheese can be substituted with gorgonzola or blue cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce for extra vegetables.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti.
- Substitute the meat sauce with a vegetarian tomato sauce for a meatless version.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Use a good quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
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 microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped parsley
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of tomato sauce or pasta water to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Be 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:
- This dish is savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot and bubbly straight from the oven.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Comforting, Hearty