Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella 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 until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Add crushed tomatoes and water to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta on the bottom.
9. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti pasta.
10. Pour half of the tomato sauce over the ricotta cheese mixture.
11. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the tomato sauce.
12. Repeat layers with remaining ziti pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, tomato sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
13. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
14. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 520
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 860mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti pasta.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the tomato sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a different flavor profile.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 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:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more tomato sauce or water to the skillet when making the sauce.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
The Giacobin de Zena Baked Ziti has a rich and savory flavor profile with hints of tomato, garlic, and herbs.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a glass of red wine for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian