Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large 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 large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic and cook until onion is translucent.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
6. Add cooked ziti pasta to the skillet with the meat sauce and stir to combine.
7. Pour half of the ziti mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture over the ziti. Pour the remaining ziti mixture over the cheese.
8. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 528
Fat: 23g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 1037mg
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce.
Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers or mushrooms to the meat sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Add a layer of sautéed spinach or kale between the ziti and cheese mixture.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Use a good quality marinara sauce for the best flavor.
- Let the baked ziti cool for a few 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:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the baked ziti in individual bowls or on a large platter.
Garnishes:
Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad and garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Caprese salad
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the baked ziti is too dry, add a little more marinara sauce or a splash of milk to the cheese mixture.
- If the cheese is browning too quickly, cover the baking dish with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Baked ziti is a popular Italian-American dish that originated in the United States in the 1950s.
Flavor profiles:
Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish.
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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Rich, Tomato, Herby, Comforting, Tomato-Y