Introduction
Welcome to a delicious culinary journey where we explore the savory world of Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta. This mouthwatering dish is a perfect combination of hearty flavors and creamy textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a culinary novice, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s delve into the art of creating this delectable Italian-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Before embarking on this gastronomic adventure, gather the following ingredients:
For the Baked Ziti:
– 1 pound of ziti pasta
– 1 pound of ground beef
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of crushed tomatoes
– 1 can of tomato sauce
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Ricotta Mixture:
– 2 cups of ricotta cheese
– 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– Fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these simple steps to create a tantalizing Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion and minced garlic. Drain any excess fat.
2. Make the Sauce:
Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
4. Assemble the Dish:
In a baking dish, layer half of the cooked ziti pasta, followed by half of the meat sauce and half of the ricotta mixture. Repeat the layers. Top with additional Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake and Serve:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Variations
Get creative with your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta by trying out these variations:
Vegetarian Option:
Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers for a meat-free alternative.
Spicy Twist:
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the meat sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Cheese Lover’s Delight:
Layer slices of fresh mozzarella between the pasta and sauce for a gooey, cheesy surprise in every bite.
Tips
Follow these handy tips to elevate your Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta:
Cooking the Pasta:
Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
Flavor Enhancement:
Add a dash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the meat sauce for a depth of flavor.
Make-Ahead Meal:
You can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake for a convenient meal option.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have successfully mastered the art of creating a scrumptious Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta. This hearty and comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy night in. The blend of flavors and textures in every bite is sure to leave everyone craving for more. Enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a homemade Italian classic that will become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A: While ziti is traditional, you can experiment with penne, rigatoni, or any other tube-shaped pasta.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual portions of the baked ziti for a quick and convenient meal option.
Q: How long will the baked ziti last in the refrigerator?
A: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta
A delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring ziti pasta layered with a savory ground beef tomato sauce and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture. Baked to perfection, this hearty and comforting dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
-
1 pound ziti pasta
-
1 pound ground beef
-
1 onion, chopped
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 can crushed tomatoes
-
1 can tomato sauce
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
2 cups ricotta cheese
-
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 egg
-
Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
-
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Brown the ground beef with onion and garlic in a skillet, then drain excess fat.
-
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet with the ground beef. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
-
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Layer ziti pasta, meat sauce, and ricotta mixture in a baking dish. Repeat layers and top with additional Parmesan cheese.
-
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.
