Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) spaghetti sauce
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon 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 directions. 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 spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, Parmesan 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 cheese mixture. Repeat layers.
7. Sprinkle remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 520
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add chopped spinach or kale to the cheese mixture for added nutrition.
- Use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain any excess fat from the ground beef before adding the sauce.
- Mix the cheese mixture well to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese on top is not melted and bubbly after 25 minutes, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes until it is fully melted.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is fully cooked.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Herby, Comforting