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
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
4. Add marinara sauce, water, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella 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 ricotta cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
7. Top with remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 525
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 97mg
Sodium: 1000mg
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese or cheddar cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add cooked Italian sausage or pepperoni to the meat sauce.
- Use a combination of different cheeses such as fontina or gouda.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to salt the pasta water before cooking to add flavor to the pasta.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent sticking and burning.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burning your mouth.
- Leftover baked ziti can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Storage instructions:
Leftover baked ziti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat leftover baked ziti in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve baked ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
Serve baked ziti with garlic bread and a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
Side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add more marinara sauce or water to the meat sauce.
- If the baked ziti is too soupy, let it bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy. It is a popular comfort food in the United States.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve baked ziti as a main dish for dinner or as a potluck dish for a party.
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Region: Italian