Ziti A La Nancy
Ziti A La Nancy is a hearty baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti, seasoned meat sauce, and creamy cheeses, perfect for family dinners or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the ziti in boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet; stir in tomato sauce and chopped parsley. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine Ricotta cheese, shredded Mozzarella cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a large deep casserole or crock-pot, layer some of the sauce first, then alternate layers of ziti, cheese mixture, and sauce, ending with a layer of sauce on top.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40 minutes or cook in a crock-pot at medium setting for about 4 hours until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce can enhance the overall taste. If you have leftover sauce from Anne'S Hearty Spaghetti Sauce, it works perfectly for this dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Ziti A La Nancy with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf pairs beautifully with this hearty dish. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a vegetable medley. Explore more Italian recipes for additional sides that complement this dish well.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Ziti A La Nancy can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on medium power until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ziti A La Nancy contains roughly 500 calories, with 20g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (310% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (51% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1614mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Ziti A La Nancy ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Assemble it as instructed but do not bake. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply increase the cooking time to ensure it heats through thoroughly.
What can I use instead of Ricotta cheese?
If you don't have Ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese as a substitute. Blend it until smooth for a similar texture. Alternatively, a mixture of cream cheese and sour cream can also provide a creamy consistency that works well in this recipe.
Can I freeze Ziti A La Nancy?
Yes, this dish freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).