Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 tablespoons 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 di Calabria cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
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 sauté until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a mixing bowl, combine Canestrato di Calabria cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and parsley.
7. In the 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta.
8. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
9. Add the remaining pasta on top of the cheese mixture.
10. Spread the remaining cheese mixture over the pasta.
11. Pour the meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 545
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 33g
Sodium: 650mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Canestrato di Calabria cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti pasta.
- Use a mixture of different cheeses for the cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Don't overmix the cheese mixture to keep it creamy.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover baked ziti 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 in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls and garnish with chopped parsley.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add more tomato sauce or cheese before baking.
- If the cheese on top is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftover baked ziti in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Canestrato di Calabria is a hard cheese made from sheep's milk in the Calabria region of Italy. It has a nutty and sharp flavor that pairs well with pasta dishes.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and meaty.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti hot with a side salad and garlic bread.
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Region: Italian