Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 10 minutes.
5. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
7. Spread half of the meat sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Top with the ziti mixture, then the remaining meat sauce.
8. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 532
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 764mg
- Sugar: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ziti mixture for added nutrition.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality canned 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:
- To reheat, place the baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added color.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more tomato sauce or pasta water to the mixture before baking.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil and continue baking.
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 southern regions of Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy!
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