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Cheesy Baked Ziti
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Spread half of the ziti mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with half of the meat sauce, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Cheesy Baked Ziti is a classic Italian-American dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This hearty and comforting pasta dish is believed to have originated in southern Italy, where it was a popular family meal. The dish made its way to the United States with Italian immigrants and quickly became a staple in Italian-American cuisine. The key to a delicious Cheesy Baked Ziti is the combination of ziti pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a generous amount of melted cheese. Chefs and home cooks alike have put their own spin on the dish, adding ingredients like ground beef, Italian sausage, or creamy ricotta cheese to enhance the flavor. In terms of the best version of this dish, many Italian-American restaurants in New York City, particularly in the Little Italy and East Village neighborhoods, are known for serving exceptional Cheesy Baked Ziti. However, this dish can be found on the menu of countless Italian restaurants across the United States. To make the perfect Cheesy Baked Ziti at home, it's crucial to cook the ziti pasta al dente to ensure it holds its shape when baked. Additionally, using a high-quality tomato sauce and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese is essential for achieving that gooey, cheesy goodness that makes this dish so irresistible. For a unique twist on the classic recipe, some chefs incorporate a layer of creamy ricotta cheese mixed with fresh herbs between the pasta and sauce, adding a delightful richness to each bite. Whether enjoyed at a cozy Italian eatery or homemade with love, Cheesy Baked Ziti continues to be a beloved comfort food that brings people together over a shared love of hearty, cheesy pasta dishes.
60 min
8
450 calories
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