Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 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 oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. 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 per serving: 510
Fat per serving: 22g
Saturated fat per serving: 11g
Cholesterol per serving: 94mg
Sodium per serving: 1023mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 44g
Fiber per serving: 3g
Sugar per serving: 8g
Protein per serving: 33g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Any type of shredded cheese can be substituted for mozzarella cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or kale between the pasta and meat sauce layers.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- 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 with 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 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 marinara sauce or a splash of milk to the ricotta mixture.
- If the baked ziti is too watery, drain the diced tomatoes before adding them to the meat sauce.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy.
Flavor Profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomato-y.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine for a complete Italian meal.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Hearty, Comforting