Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up any large chunks with a wooden spoon.
4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute.
5. Pour in marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
6. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Add cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
8. Pour half of the ziti mixture into the baking dish. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the ziti.
9. Pour the remaining ziti mixture over the ricotta cheese layer.
10. Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
11. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 560
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add sautéed onions and bell peppers to the ground beef mixture for extra flavor.
- Substitute ziti pasta with penne or rigatoni.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture for added nutrition.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so that it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for best results.
- 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:
- To reheat, place the leftover baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added color and flavor.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream to the ricotta cheese mixture.
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.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side salad and garlic bread.
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Region: Italian