Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- 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 skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, then half of the meat sauce, and then half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
7. Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 573
Total fat: 27g
Saturated fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 107mg
Sodium: 1072mg
Total carbohydrates: 44g
Dietary fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use different types 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:
- Make 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 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 oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top before serving.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more marinara sauce or water before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make 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 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
The baked ziti has a rich and savory flavor from the meat sauce and cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti as a main dish for a family dinner or potluck.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Garlicky, Tomato, Comforting, Tomato-Y