Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon.
4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is translucent.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, then add the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
7. In the 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
8. Add a layer of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the meat sauce.
9. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the pasta.
10. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta cheese.
11. Repeat the layers of meat sauce, pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, and shredded mozzarella cheese until all ingredients are used up.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Sodium: 1050mg
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 sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta instead of ziti.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or kale between the pasta and ricotta cheese layers.
- Top with breadcrumbs or crushed croutons for a crispy topping.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the ground beef into small pieces while cooking.
- Let the meat sauce simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Use a spoon or spatula to spread the ricotta cheese mixture evenly over the pasta.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the Crodo-Style 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 pasta is too dry, add a little bit of water or extra tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F before eating.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern region of Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and can be customized with various meats and vegetables.
Flavor profiles:
The Crodo-Style Baked Ziti is savory and comforting, with a rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta cheese, and melted mozzarella cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Crodo-Style Baked Ziti as a main dish for dinner or as a hearty lunch.
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Region: Italian