Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups 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 oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
5. Stir in oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add crushed tomatoes and water to the skillet and bring to a simmer.
7. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti, meat sauce, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
9. Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Top with remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
11. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
12. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 19g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 28g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ziti pasta can be substituted with penne or rigatoni.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or fontina cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a different flavor profile.
- Add a layer of cooked spinach or roasted vegetables to the ziti mixture before baking.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming too mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality canned crushed tomatoes for the best flavor.
- 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 desired amount of baked ziti in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 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 for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti seems too dry, add a little more water to the meat sauce before baking.
- If the cheese on top 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 the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, tomato-based
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A