Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 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 skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and stir to combine.
5. Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
8. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti.
9. Pour the remaining ziti mixture over the ricotta cheese layer.
10. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Protein: 31g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Sugar: 8g
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 spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, instead of ziti.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef for added flavor.
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 so that it sets up and is easier to cut.
Storage Instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- To reheat, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the leftover ziti for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- If the baked ziti is too watery, let it bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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 slightly spicy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti as a main course for dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian