Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella 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 instructions 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 pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta cheese mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
7. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 550
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Top with breadcrumbs before baking for added texture.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding the sauce.
- Don't overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 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 ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Pairings:
Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of pasta sauce or water to the dish before reheating.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the dish with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in Southern Italy. It is typically made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy with your favorite side dishes.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Comforting, Hearty