Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 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 skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add pasta sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti pasta and the meat sauce. Mix well.
6. Spread half of the ziti mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 480
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 1050mg
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Pasta sauce can be substituted with homemade marinara sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or chopped bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta instead of ziti.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or broccoli to the ziti mixture.
- Top with breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality pasta sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more pasta sauce or water before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy. It is similar to lasagna but uses ziti pasta instead of lasagna noodles.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Tomato, Garlicky, Herby, Tomato-Y