Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 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:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions 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, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer the sauce for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir to combine.
7. Spread half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Pour the tomato sauce over the ziti mixture.
9. Spread the remaining ziti mixture over the tomato sauce.
10. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top of the ziti.
11. Bake the ziti for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Remove the ziti from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
13. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top of the ziti.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 500
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 32g
Sodium: 920mg
Sugar: 9g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the ziti mixture.
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 tomato product for the sauce.
- Let the ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the ziti in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish the ziti with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve the ziti with garlic bread and a green salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a Caesar salad would be great side dishes for this ziti.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the ziti is too dry, add a little bit of milk or cream to the ziti mixture before baking.
Food safety advice:
Make 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 the United States in the early 20th century.
Flavor profiles:
This ziti has a rich and savory tomato sauce with a creamy and cheesy pasta filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the ziti hot and bubbly with a side of garlic bread and a green salad.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Garlicky, Tomato, Creamy, Tomato-Y