Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, 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
- 1/4 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 the package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. In the 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta cheese mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 529
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 98mg
Sodium: 1143mg
Carbohydrates: 47g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Any type of pasta can be used instead of ziti.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add cooked Italian sausage to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water for added flavor.
- Use a block of cheese and shred it yourself for better melting.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, cover the leftovers with aluminum foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
Fresh parsley or basil can be used as a garnish.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread and a side salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
- If the cheese is not melting, try broiling the dish for a few minutes.
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 popular Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti hot and fresh from the oven.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Hearty, Comforting, Rich