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 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking meat and sauce
- 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-high heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta. Spread the cheese mixture over the pasta. Top with the remaining pasta.
7. Pour the meat sauce over the pasta and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 536
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti.
- Make a vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef and adding more vegetables.
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 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 until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the dish before baking.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Be 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 southern Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish for dinner.
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Region: Italian