Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 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-high heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until onion is translucent.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer sauce for 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and stir to coat with sauce.
8. Transfer ziti mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
9. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti.
10. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 32g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ziti pasta can be substituted with penne or rigatoni.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of different cheeses, such as fontina or provolone, in place of mozzarella cheese.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ziti mixture for added nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become too mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality canned tomato product for the sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
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 baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Chopped parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
- Red wine
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the ziti mixture is too dry, add a little bit of pasta water to the sauce to thin it out.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, tomatoey
Serving suggestions:
- Serve baked ziti as a main course for dinner.
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Region: Italian