Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking meat and sauce
- 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, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, egg, and grated Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta on the bottom. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. Add half of the meat sauce on top of the ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti pasta, ricotta cheese mixture, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 530
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 126mg
Sodium: 732mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for ground beef.
- Cottage cheese can be substituted for ricotta cheese.
- Any type of pasta can be used instead of ziti.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Use a combination of different cheeses such as fontina, provolone, or cheddar.
- Add a layer of sautéed spinach or kale between the pasta and cheese layers.
Tips and tricks:
- Make 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:
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
Fresh basil or parsley
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables
Suggested side dishes:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more tomato sauce or a splash of milk to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- 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:
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 United States in the 20th century. It is a popular comfort food that is often served at family gatherings and potlucks.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tomatoey
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian