Baked Ziti IV

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1 (15 ounce) container cottage cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Preparation Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

60 minutes

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate (3/5)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the ground beef.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package directions.
6. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheddar cheese.
7. Add the cooked ziti pasta to the cheese mixture and stir until well combined.
8. Spread half of the pasta mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
9. Top with the ground beef sauce.
10. Spread the remaining pasta mixture over the sauce.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
12. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutritional Information:

One serving (1/8 of the recipe) contains approximately:

• Calories: 450
• Fat: 18 grams
• Protein: 25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 50 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Rich, flavorful, and cheesy
• Perfect for a hearty family meal or a special occasion
• Can be customized with your favorite ingredients
• Pairs well with a side of garlic bread or salad

User Comments:

• "This is the best baked ziti I've ever had!"
• "The beef sauce is so rich and flavorful."
• "The combination of cheeses makes this dish incredibly creamy and decadent."
• "This is a dish that everyone will love, even picky eaters."
• "I love that I can customize this dish to my liking."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If you don't have any ricotta cheese on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mascarpone cheese.
• If you don't have any cottage cheese on hand, you can substitute it with an equal amount of sour cream.
• To make this dish ahead of time, assemble it as directed but do not bake. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature and bake as directed.