Baked Ziti

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Difficulty Level: 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook onion and garlic until softened.
4. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
6. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, meat sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
7. Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 550 per serving
• Fat: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 850mg
• Carbohydrates: 65g
• Protein: 30g

Dish Characteristics:

• Hearty and comforting
• Savory with a rich tomato-based sauce
• Melted mozzarella and grated Parmesan add a creamy and cheesy flavor
• Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness

User Comments:

• "This baked ziti is absolutely delicious! The flavor is amazing and the cheese is perfectly melted."
• "I love the combination of the meaty sauce and the tender pasta. It's a perfect comfort food."
• "I've made this recipe many times and it's always a crowd-pleaser. It's easy to make and always turns out great."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• To avoid a watery dish, make sure to drain the cooked pasta thoroughly.
• If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of water.
• You can use any type of ground meat you like, such as pork, turkey, or Italian sausage.
• Top with additional mozzarella cheese before serving for extra cheesiness.