Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 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 the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meat sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
7. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 485
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 82mg
Sodium: 826mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Any type of pasta can be used instead of ziti.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese to the baked ziti.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the oven.
- Don't skip the Parmesan cheese, as it adds a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving so it's easier to cut and serve.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the baked ziti in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
- If the cheese on top is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
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 the United States in the 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a glass of red wine for a classic Italian meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Comforting, Hearty