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) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking beef and onions
- 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. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until onion is softened.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, chickpeas, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. In the 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Top with half of the tomato and chickpea mixture. Then, spread half of the cheese mixture on top.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti pasta, tomato and chickpea mixture, and cheese mixture.
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. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 489
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 655mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Chickpeas can be substituted with cannellini beans or kidney beans.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the tomato and chickpea mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a spoon or spatula to spread the cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
- 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:
- To reheat, place the baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese
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 a little bit of pasta water to the tomato and chickpea mixture before layering.
Food safety advice:
- Be 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:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory
- Cheesy
- Tomato-y
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main dish for dinner.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Tomato, Garlicky, Herby, Tomato-Y