Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
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 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-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
4. Add minced garlic and dried oregano to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the skillet with the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Add cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir to combine.
8. Pour half of the ziti mixture into the baking dish. Spoon the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the ziti. Cover with the remaining ziti mixture.
9. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top of the ziti.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- Serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 540
- Total fat: 26g
- Saturated fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 870mg
- Total carbohydrates: 42g
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon 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 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 leaves or chopped parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped parsley
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, make sure to drain the pasta well and reduce the amount of marinara sauce used.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftover baked ziti in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Cheesy
- Tomato-y
- Meaty
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot and bubbly straight out of the oven with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Garlicky, Herby, Comforting