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I prepare the sauce ahead of time, so it saves precious moments when we come in after working out in the fields!—Barbara Johnson, Decker, Indiana
Nutritional Facts 1 serving equals 375 calories, 14 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 60 mg cholesterol, 851 mg sodium, 33 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, 29 g protein.
Originally published as Baked Ziti with Fresh Tomatoes in Country Ground Beef , p50
Seeding TomatoesSummer is the perfect time of year to enjoy fresh juicy tomatoes in all types of recipes. It's usually not necessary to remove the seeds from tomatoes before using. But for some recipes, seeding the tomatoes can improve the dish's appearance or eliminate excess moisture. For example, it's not important to seed tomatoes when preparing a tossed salad. But it's nice to remove the seeds when making creamy tomato soup to ensure a smooth texture. And using seeded tomatoes when assembling a casserole can prevent it from becoming watery. To remove the seeds from a tomato, cut it in half horizontally and remove the stem. Holding a tomato half over a bowl or sink, scrape out seeds with a small spoon or squeeze the tomato to force out the seeds. Then slice or dice as directed in the recipe.
Summer is the perfect time of year to enjoy fresh juicy tomatoes in all types of recipes. It's usually not necessary to remove the seeds from tomatoes before using. But for some recipes, seeding the tomatoes can improve the dish's appearance or eliminate excess moisture. For example, it's not important to seed tomatoes when preparing a tossed salad. But it's nice to remove the seeds when making creamy tomato soup to ensure a smooth texture. And using seeded tomatoes when assembling a casserole can prevent it from becoming watery. To remove the seeds from a tomato, cut it in half horizontally and remove the stem. Holding a tomato half over a bowl or sink, scrape out seeds with a small spoon or squeeze the tomato to force out the seeds. Then slice or dice as directed in the recipe.
Full-Bodied Red Wine
Enjoy this recipe with a full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Syrah.
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Reviewed on May. 19, 2013 by HouseofYum
While fresh tomatoes are delicious, if you are pressed for time you can use drained canned tomatoes. Also I substituted sausage which added a little kick to it. It was delicious.
Reviewed on May. 10, 2013 by jasharpee
Made this with Italian Sausage and Burpee's Fresh Salsa that I froze last fall. Granddaughter gave 5 stars. I will make it this summer when I have fresh tomatoes. Uf Dah!
Reviewed on May. 09, 2013 by zinzin
FYI, if you brown the meat until there is some caramelization and deglaze the pan with some red wine, scraping up the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan, you will have a richer flavored sauce. Use fresh herbs, oregano and basil, and you will be able to elevate this recipe from High School cafeteria style to something that will please a more sophisticated palate.
Reviewed on May. 09, 2013 by dublinlab
I used home canned tomatoes.
Reviewed on Oct. 28, 2011 by dschnell
This is an incredible dish. We season up the beef a bit more with onion powder, italian seasoning and some garlic powder to taste. I try and make this once a month!
Reviewed on Aug. 24, 2011 by djbhoffman
we all love it
Reviewed on Oct. 25, 2010 by cooking4-2healthy
since most felt not enough sauce I just added more tomatoes! only change added fresh garlic when cooking onions. OMG what a wonderful dish. well worth prep time. Can see many posibilities with adding olives, mushrooms or peppers, etc.
Reviewed on Aug. 26, 2010 by jjmtt7
I adopted a few tips from previous rating posts and added one 8 oz. can of tomato sauce and 1/2 tsp. of red pepper flakes. I didn't have plum tomatoes, but instead used 3 farm fresh regular tomatoes, seeded but not peeled. My family raved how tasty it was! I will make this again as it is quick, easy and delicious.
Reviewed on Aug. 24, 2010 by lluvbear
This is a waste of fresh tomatoes. I had to add tomato sauce to have enough tomato flavor.
Reviewed on Feb. 13, 2010 by wildflower264
You have to make this just like the recipe says. No tomatoes except plum tomatoes. Just wonderful!! Marti Miles, Florida
Reviewed on Feb. 04, 2010 by mchtpr
This recipe was delicious!My daughter and I had such a great time experimenting with peeling the tomatoes, and we were very surprised about how sweet the tomatoes were once they were peeled.Happy memories...thanks so much!
This recipe was delicious!
My daughter and I had such a great time experimenting with peeling the tomatoes, and we were very surprised about how sweet the tomatoes were once they were peeled.
Happy memories...thanks so much!
Reviewed on Sep. 04, 2009 by marjimartin
I bring a pot of water to boiling. I make a cross in the bottom of the tomatoe. Immerse the tomatoes in the boiling water three minutes and immediately place in ice water. They peel quite easily then.
Reviewed on Sep. 03, 2009 by tkpfister
loved this casserole. i added 2 or 3 tablespoons of sugar.
Reviewed on Sep. 02, 2009 by acg929
How do you peel it??
Reviewed on Sep. 01, 2009 by JudyUngerer
Cut the stems off and squeeze the tomatoes. Seeds come right out.
Reviewed on Sep. 01, 2009 by JulieKBaker
How do you peel and seed a tomato? Could you use some sort of canned tomato as a substituteJulie from MN
How do you peel and seed a tomato? Could you use some sort of canned tomato as a substitute
Julie from MN
Reviewed on Sep. 01, 2009 by Mamasuejean
This sounds really good. I wonder if adding some chili powder would add more flavor. Makes me want to try this recipe, even though I don't have fresh tomatoes
Reviewed on Jan. 22, 2009 by sandysmr
I add itialan seasonings,basil,and garlic! I am itialian i always make pasta dishes! Try puting fresh herbs like basil.Sandy from FL
I add itialan seasonings,basil,and garlic! I am itialian i always make pasta dishes! Try puting fresh herbs like basil.
Sandy from FL
Reviewed on Jan. 18, 2009 by mlandis16
I made this recipe to try for my family and it was good but felt like something was missing or there wasn't enough favor. We liked the fresh tomatoes in it but thought it needed to have more tomato sauce in it. We have another ziti recipe we like better but will add tomatoes in that one to make it even better. Thanks!Michele from PA
I made this recipe to try for my family and it was good but felt like something was missing or there wasn't enough favor. We liked the fresh tomatoes in it but thought it needed to have more tomato sauce in it. We have another ziti recipe we like better but will add tomatoes in that one to make it even better. Thanks!
Michele from PA
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