Baked Ziti

Baked Ziti is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring al dente pasta enveloped in a rich tomato sauce, layered with Halal ground beef and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a perfect meal for two, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any dinner table.

Ingredients

• Ziti pasta - 200 grams
• Halal ground beef - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Onion - 1 small, chopped
• Canned crushed tomatoes - 400 grams
• Dried oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Dried basil - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Mozzarella cheese - 150 grams, shredded
• Parmesan cheese - 30 grams, grated
• Fresh basil - for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the Halal ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, approximately 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in the canned crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce, mixing well.
7. Transfer half of the pasta mixture into a baking dish, then layer half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
8. Add the remaining pasta mixture and top with the rest of the mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
10. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650
• Protein: 30 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in protein from the Halal ground beef, supporting muscle health.
• Contains vitamins and minerals from tomatoes and herbs that may boost immunity.

Tags