Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 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 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. 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. Stir in spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
6. In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom.
7. Add half of the cooked ziti pasta on top of the meat sauce.
8. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the pasta.
9. Add the remaining ziti pasta on top of the ricotta cheese mixture.
10. Pour the remaining meat sauce on top of the pasta.
11. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
12. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
14. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 548
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 1084mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 36g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti pasta.
- Add spinach or kale to the ricotta cheese mixture.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or gouda.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Drain any excess fat from the ground beef to prevent the dish from being too greasy.
- Let the baked ziti rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers 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 microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on plates. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
Chopped parsley or basil
Pairings:
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, red wine
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, green beans
Troubleshooting advice:
If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to the dish before reheating.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the 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 the 1950s. It is a popular comfort food that is often served at family gatherings and potlucks.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, tomato-based
Serving suggestions:
Serve the baked ziti with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a complete meal.
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Region: Italian