Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, 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 Canestrato d'Aspromonte cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
5. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, Canestrato d'Aspromonte cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
7. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta mixture and stir to combine.
8. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
9. Bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 524
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 690mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or sausage.
- Canestrato d'Aspromonte cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add a layer of sliced mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta mixture before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the mixture before baking.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Canestrato d'Aspromonte is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk in the Aspromonte mountains of southern Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- The Canestrato d'Aspromonte cheese adds a nutty and slightly salty flavor to the baked ziti.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti with a glass of red wine such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
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