Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of the mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, and then half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers.
7. Top the dish with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 527
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 103mg
Sodium: 831mg
Potassium: 719mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
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 cheddar cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for a healthier twist.
- Substitute the meat sauce with a vegetarian tomato sauce for a meatless version.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for extra flavor and 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 canned crushed tomatoes for the sauce.
- 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 oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic bread, Caesar salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the dish before reheating.
- If the cheese on top is not melted and bubbly, broil the dish for a few minutes until the cheese is golden brown.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the southern regions of Italy. It is traditionally made with ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese, and baked in the oven until golden and bubbly.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tangy
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot with garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Tomato, Garlicky, Herby, Tomato-Y