Ingredients with Measurements:
-1 pound ziti pasta
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 pound ground beef
-1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
-1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
-1 teaspoon dried oregano
-1 teaspoon dried basil
-1/2 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-1/2 cup ricotta cheese
-1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
-Large pot
-Large skillet
-9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until onion is tender. Add ground beef; cook and stir until beef is browned. Drain off excess fat.
4. Stir crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Simmer for 15 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti, Parmesan cheese, ricotta cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
6. Spread 1/2 of the beef mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with the ziti mixture, then top with remaining beef mixture.
7. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F (190 degrees C)
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 463
Fat: 15.9g
Carbohydrates: 51.2g
Protein: 24.2g
Substitutions for Ingredients
-Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
-Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
-Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese.
Variations:
-Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture.
-Add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers to the beef mixture.
-Add 1/2 cup of sliced mushrooms to the beef mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
-To make the dish spicier, add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
-To make the dish creamier, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream to the beef mixture.
Storage Instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or in a 350 degree F (175 degree C) oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
-Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
-Serve with a side of garlic bread.
Garnishes:
-Freshly chopped parsley
Pairings:
-Garlic bread
Suggested Side Dishes:
-Salad
-Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
-If the dish is too dry, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the beef mixture.
Food Safety Advice:
-Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).
Food History:
Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that has been around for decades. It is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor with hints of garlic and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
-Serve with a side of garlic bread.
-Serve with a side salad.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
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Region: Italian
Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Tomato, Herby, Garlicky, Tomato-Y