Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup 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 375°F.
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
4. Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until onion is translucent.
5. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Simmer sauce for 10 minutes.
7. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
8. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta.
9. Spread half of the cheese mixture over the pasta.
10. Pour half of the meat sauce over the cheese mixture.
11. Repeat layers with remaining pasta, cheese mixture, and meat sauce.
12. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
13. Remove foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- 8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 475
- Fat per serving: 21g
- Carbohydrates per serving: 43g
- Protein per serving: 30g
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 or cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the meat sauce.
- Use penne pasta instead of ziti.
- Add chopped spinach to the cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't become mushy when baked.
- Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover baked ziti 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 ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil
Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more sauce or a splash of milk before reheating.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Baked ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve baked ziti hot with garlic bread and a Caesar salad.
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