Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara 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 instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
7. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 500
- Fat per serving: 23g
- Carbohydrates per serving: 44g
- Protein per serving: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the meat sauce.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- 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, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more marinara sauce or water to the meat sauce.
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 classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
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Taste: Savory, Rich, Cheesy, Meaty, Tomato, Comforting, Tomato-Y