Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded Prima Donna cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking beef
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 onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the Prima Donna 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 layers.
7. Top with remaining Prima Donna cheese and chopped parsley.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 545
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 111mg
Sodium: 1022mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 35g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Any type of pasta can be used in place of ziti.
- Mozzarella cheese can be used in place of Prima Donna cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, for a different flavor profile.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the meat sauce for added vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the dish 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 in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the dish is too dry, add more marinara sauce or water to the meat sauce.
- If the dish is too watery, let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes uncovered.
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, and comforting.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish.
Related Categories
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Hearty, Comforting