Zita Recipe: A Hearty European Delight ๐
Overview:
Indulge in the rich flavors of “Zita,” a beloved recipe cherished by my family for generations. This European-inspired dish combines the warmth of lean ground beef and the zing of hot Italian sausage, complemented by a medley of onions and green bell peppers. Simmered in a tantalizing tomato sauce and layered with gooey mozzarella cheese, each bite of Zita is a symphony of flavors that will transport you to culinary bliss.
Recipe Information:
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per Serving: 444.3
- Rating: โญโญโญโญโญ (Based on 1 review)
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 | Lean ground beef |
| 1 | Hot Italian sausage |
| 2 | Onions |
| 2 | Green bell peppers |
| 4 cups | Tomato sauce |
| 4 cups | Mozzarella cheese |
| 8 cups | Zita noodles |
| 3 tbsp | Salad oil |
| To taste | Salt |
| To taste | Pepper |
| To taste | Garlic powder |
Instructions:
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Prepare Sausage: Start by removing the sausage from its casings. This step ensures that the sausage blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, infusing every bite with its irresistible flavor.
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Brown Meat: In a large skillet, brown the lean ground beef and hot Italian sausage together until they are perfectly cooked. Once done, drain any excess grease to achieve a lighter and healthier dish.
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Sautee Aromatics: While the meat is cooking, finely dice or chop the onions and green bell peppers. Sautee them in salad oil until they are soft and fragrant, enhancing the overall depth of flavor in the dish. Drain any excess oil to keep the dish light and balanced.
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Cook Noodles: While attending to the meat and aromatics, cook the zita noodles according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain them well to prevent sogginess and ensure the perfect texture in every bite.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the cooked meat, sauteed onions and bell peppers, and tomato sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, allowing the flavors to meld together harmoniously.
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Season to Perfection: Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste, ensuring that every spoonful of sauce is seasoned to perfection. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences, adding a dash more for an extra kick of flavor.
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Incorporate Noodles: Once the sauce is well-seasoned, add the drained zita noodles to the pot. Stir gently to coat the noodles evenly with the savory sauce, ensuring that each strand is infused with flavor.
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Simmer: Let the mixture simmer together on low heat for about an hour, allowing the flavors to intensify and the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.
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Layering: Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). In a baking pan, start by creating a layer of the noodles and sauce mixture. Top it off with a generous layer of mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt and form a golden crust as it bakes.
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Repeat: Continue layering the noodles, sauce, and cheese until you’ve used up all the ingredients, finishing with a final layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
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Bake: Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, and the aroma fills your kitchen with irresistible fragrance.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once baked to perfection, remove the Zita from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Pair it with a crisp salad and freshly baked garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul.
Conclusion:
With its rich flavors and comforting textures, Zita is more than just a mealโit’s a culinary journey that brings families together around the dinner table. Whether enjoyed on a cozy weeknight or served up for a special occasion, this hearty dish is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Bon appรฉtit! ๐ฝ๏ธ
