Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking ground beef
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
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 large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet with the ground beef and stir to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta on the bottom. Top with half of the meat sauce.
7. Spread the cheese mixture over the meat sauce.
8. Layer the remaining ziti pasta on top of the cheese mixture, followed by the remaining meat sauce.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
10. 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: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Any type of pasta can be used in place of ziti.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use a different type of cheese such as cheddar or provolone.
- Add cooked Italian sausage to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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 bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little extra marinara sauce or a splash of milk to the cheese mixture.
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 early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of red wine for a complete Italian meal.
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Region: Italian