Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large 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 large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the cooked ground beef and stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
6. Add cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Spoon half of the cheese mixture over the ziti mixture in the baking dish.
9. Add the remaining ziti mixture to the baking dish and top with the remaining cheese mixture.
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 or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce or canned crushed tomatoes.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of shredded cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add cooked and crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture.
- Top the baked ziti with breadcrumbs before baking for a crispy texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be 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 prevent burning your mouth.
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 microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Pairings:
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Side salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk to the cheese mixture before baking.
- If the baked ziti is too watery, let it bake for a few more minutes uncovered to evaporate the excess liquid.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish for dinner or lunch.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Tomato, Herby, Rich, Comforting, Tomato-Y