Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
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 heat until browned. Add onion, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook until onion is softened.
4. Add crushed tomatoes to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
6. Spread half of the ziti mixture in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
7. Pour the meat sauce over the ziti mixture.
8. Top with the remaining ziti mixture.
9. Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- Serves 8
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or fontina cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti.
- Add spinach or kale to the ziti mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality crushed tomato for the meat sauce.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat leftover baked ziti in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream to the ziti mixture 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 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Rich, Tomato, Garlicky, Tomato-Y