Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 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
- 1 cup 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. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until the onion is softened.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
7. Pour the ziti and sauce mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the ziti.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 490
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 870mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Crushed tomatoes can be substituted with diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti.
- Add chopped bell peppers to the sauce for extra color and nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn't become too soft when baked.
- Use a good-quality Parmesan cheese 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 in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates with a side salad and garlic bread.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves.
Pairings:
Serve with a glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the pan before reheating.
- If the cheese is not melted enough, broil the dish for a few minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure that 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 southern region of Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and is a popular comfort food in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
The baked ziti has a rich and savory flavor from the tomato sauce and ground beef, with a slight kick from the red pepper flakes. The Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses add a creamy and cheesy flavor to the dish.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Tomato, Herby, Comforting, Tomato-Y