Italian > Baked > Pasta

Jusselle's Baked Ziti Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish

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. Drain any excess fat.

4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.

6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta, meat sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well.

7. Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

9. 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:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 480
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 940mg
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 9g
Protein: 30g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Onion can be substituted with shallots or leeks.
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or fontina cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use penne or rigatoni pasta instead of ziti.
- Add a layer of ricotta cheese to the pasta mixture before adding the mozzarella cheese.
- Top with breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.

Tips and tricks:
- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality canned tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes 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:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual portions on plates or in bowls.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley.

Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the mixture before baking.
- If the pasta is too saucy, reduce the amount of tomato sauce in the recipe.

Food safety advice:
- Make 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.

Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, tangy, cheesy

Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Herby, Tomato, Tomato-Y