Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
4. Add the crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
6. Add the cooked ziti to the cheese mixture and stir to combine.
7. Spread half of the ziti mixture into the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half of the meat sauce.
8. Repeat with the remaining ziti mixture and meat sauce.
9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
10. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- Serves 6-8 people.
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 34g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use different types of pasta such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add spinach or kale to the cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover baked ziti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the baked ziti in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the baked ziti in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil.
Pairings:
- Serve with garlic bread and a side salad.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add more tomato sauce or cheese.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure the meat is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in southern Italy.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve the baked ziti hot and bubbly straight from the oven.
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Region: Italian