Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Stir in spaghetti sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together cooked ziti, meat sauce, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. Pour mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 487
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 31g
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.
- Spaghetti sauce can be substituted with marinara sauce or tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil for added freshness.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding the sauce.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the sauce while it is still warm to help the flavors meld together.
- 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, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or basil
- 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 more water or sauce to the mixture before baking.
- If the cheese on top is not melted and bubbly, broil for a few minutes until desired texture is achieved.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook 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 southern Italy. It is a popular comfort food in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
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