Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking meat and sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
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, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the ricotta cheese mixture and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti pasta, meat sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 1050mg
Sugar: 10g
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.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta instead of ziti.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables to the sauce.
- Make a spicy version by adding more red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality canned tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes 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:
To reheat, cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil or 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 more tomato sauce or a splash of milk to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- If the baked ziti is too watery, let it bake for a few more minutes uncovered to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that 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 the southern regions of Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and is a popular comfort food in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tomatoey
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Garlicky, Comforting