Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 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 skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is tender. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese.
6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce, half of the ricotta cheese mixture, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers.
7. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
8. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- This recipe serves 8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 510
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: 920mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add a layer of spinach or kale to the baked ziti.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta until al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the oven.
- Use a good quality mozzarella cheese for the best flavor.
- 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 heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Garnishes:
- Fresh basil or parsley
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic roasted potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or tomato sauce to the meat sauce.
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 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot with garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Herby, Garlicky, Tomato, Rich, Tomato-Y