Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
5. Add oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper and stir to combine.
6. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, red wine, and parsley and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, cook ziti in boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
8. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese.
9. Spread 1/2 of the ziti in the bottom of the baking dish. Top with 1/2 of the beef mixture. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the beef. Top with remaining ziti and beef mixture.
10. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella cheese over the top.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Time:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350 degrees F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 583
Fat: 24.5 g
Carbohydrates: 58 g
Protein: 28 g
Substitutions for Ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground chicken.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with cheddar cheese.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon to the beef mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked, diced Italian sausage to the beef mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked, diced mushrooms to the beef mixture.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked, diced bell peppers to the beef mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a high-quality canned tomato sauce for the best flavor.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
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 oven until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Freshly chopped parsley
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pairings:
- A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc
- A light red wine such as Pinot Noir
Suggested Side Dishes:
- A green salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little water or more red wine to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, add a little tomato paste to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Food History:
Baked ziti is an Italian-American dish that is believed to have originated in the early 1900s. It is a popular dish in many Italian-American households and is often served at special occasions such as birthdays and holidays.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory and slightly sweet flavor from the tomatoes, red wine, and herbs. The ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese add a creamy and salty flavor. The mozzarella cheese adds a creamy and slightly tangy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of garlic bread.
- Top with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.
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