Kamil Perry
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient used in many dishes, from lasagna to ravioli. It adds creaminess to casseroles and Italian dishes. Typically, ricotta cheese is sold in containers of 15 oz, which is almost equivalent to two cups. However, some recipes, such as the one on the back of GIANT's store brand lasagna, call for two cups (16 oz) of ricotta cheese, leaving buyers with 15 oz containers in a bit of a quandary.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Amount in cups | 1.875 cups |
| Amount in ounces | 15 oz |
| Container type | Re-sealable |
| Brand | Sargento |
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What You'll Learn
Ricotta cheese containers
Ricotta cheese is commonly sold in 15 oz containers, which is equivalent to just about two cups of cheese. Sargento®, for example, sells its Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese in re-sealable 15 oz containers. However, recipes often call for 16 oz (two cups) of ricotta cheese, causing a slight inconvenience for buyers.
Ricotta cheese is also available in larger quantities, such as 3 lb tubs, which are typically used for bulk purchases by restaurants, bakeries, and caterers. These larger containers are ideal for high-volume kitchens and can be purchased at wholesale prices.
Some stores also offer ricotta cheese baskets, which are specifically designed for storing homemade ricotta or other soft cheeses. These baskets are made with food-grade materials and help keep the cheese fresh and free from contamination. They are versatile and can be used to drain and shape various types of soft cheeses, allowing you to expand your cheese-making repertoire.
Overall, the availability of ricotta cheese in containers of different sizes, from individual servings to bulk quantities, ensures that consumers and businesses alike can find the right amount for their needs, whether it's for a single recipe or for creating various dishes in a professional setting.
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Converting oz to cups
When converting ounces (oz) to cups, it's important to note that there is a difference between fluid ounces, which measure volume, and typical ounces, which measure weight. In the United States, fluid ounces are used for liquid measurements. One fluid ounce is equivalent to 0.125 cups, meaning that 15 fluid ounces of ricotta cheese would be equal to 1.875 cups.
To elaborate on the distinction between fluid ounces and typical ounces, let's consider an example. If you have a recipe that calls for two cups (16 fluid oz) of ricotta cheese, and you only have 15 oz containers of ricotta cheese, it can be frustrating because the measurements are not directly interchangeable. This is because the recipe calls for a volume measurement (cups), while the container measures weight (ounces).
In general, when converting ounces to cups, the key is to understand whether you are dealing with fluid ounces or typical ounces. If you are working with liquid ingredients or measurements in the US system, use fluid ounces and apply the conversion factor of 8 fluid ounces per cup.
However, it's important to note that rounding errors may occur during conversions, so it's always advisable to double-check your calculations. Additionally, it's worth mentioning that in some contexts, such as baking, small discrepancies in ingredient amounts can significantly impact the final product, so precision is crucial.
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Lasagna recipes
Fifteen ounces of ricotta cheese is equivalent to about 1.875 cups, or roughly two cups when rounded up. This amount is convenient for lasagna recipes, as it is commonly used in combination with other cheeses to create a creamy filling.
Ingredients:
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 12 lasagna noodles, boiled
Instructions:
- Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 10 minutes until softened.
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break up the meat and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Add the garlic during the last minute.
- Drain excess grease from the pan. Add the chicken broth and use a spatula to deglaze the pan.
- Add the marinara sauce, tomato paste, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan and stir well.
- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and egg. Mix until well blended.
- Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of 3-4 lasagna noodles on top of the meat sauce.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta cheese mixture on top of the noodles.
- Add another 1 cup of meat sauce on top of the ricotta layer.
- Repeat steps 7-9 two more times to create three layers of noodles, ricotta, and meat sauce.
- Top with the remaining 4 lasagna noodles and the rest of the meat sauce.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top.
- Cover the baking dish with foil, sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, and place it spray-side down.
- Bake at 350-375°F for 30-45 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to brown the top.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.
This recipe creates a classic, easy-to-make lasagna with a creamy ricotta and meat sauce filling. It can be made ahead and frozen for later, and leftovers can be stored for up to 5 days.
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Ravioli recipes
Fifteen ounces of ricotta cheese is roughly equivalent to two cups. This amount is perfect for making ravioli, a delicious Italian dish that can be easily made at home and even frozen for later.
Homemade Ricotta Ravioli
Ingredients
- Ricotta Cheese
- Parmesan Cheese
- Flour
- Eggs
- Nutmeg
- Lemon Juice/Zest
- Salt and Pepper
- Fresh Basil
- Optional: Fresh Mozzarella
Steps
First, make your pasta dough. You can use a simple two-ingredient recipe with just flour and eggs, or a more complex recipe that includes additional ingredients such as olive oil or salt. Once your dough is made, let it rest as directed.
Next, prepare your filling. In a bowl, combine ricotta, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, basil, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a firmer filling, add some shredded fresh mozzarella to the mixture.
Now, it's time to assemble your ravioli. Roll out your dough into thin sheets, aiming for a thickness of about 1/16 of an inch. Cut the sheets into pieces that are roughly 15 inches long and 5 inches wide. Place your filling in the center of each piece of dough, about one-and-a-half inches in diameter and half an inch apart. Moisten the edges of the dough with water, then place another sheet of dough on top, pressing down gently to seal.
Use a ravioli cutter or a sharp knife to cut out your ravioli shapes, and transfer them to a baking sheet sprinkled with semolina. Repeat this process until you've used up all your dough and filling.
Finally, cook your ravioli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, or until al dente. Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, such as a simple pomodoro or a light butter sauce, and garnish with additional parmesan cheese and basil, if desired.
Variations and Tips
For a unique twist, try adding sautéed lemony kale, onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and spices to your filling. Butternut squash and blue cheese is another tasty combination, especially when served with a brown butter sauce and frizzled sage.
Remember to drain your ricotta overnight before using it to avoid a watery filling. You can use any leftover ricotta to make an Italian ricotta cake.
Making homemade ravioli is a fun and rewarding project that can impress your family and friends. With a little practice, you'll be able to create delicious, restaurant-quality pasta dishes in your own kitchen.
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Casserole recipes
15 oz of ricotta cheese is equivalent to about 1.875 cups. This amount of ricotta cheese is often used in casserole recipes, such as the Beef Ricotta Casserole, which serves as a quick and easy meal option for busy weeknights.
The Beef Ricotta Casserole recipe combines lean ground beef with mushrooms, onion, and garlic in a balsamic tomato sauce. The beef can be substituted with ground chicken or lean ground turkey. This mixture is then topped with a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, along with fresh herbs like oregano and rosemary. The casserole is baked at 375° F for 30 minutes until golden brown, bubbly, and fragrant.
Another casserole recipe that utilizes ricotta cheese is Baked Ziti. This dish involves layering cooked ziti, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, an egg, and spaghetti sauce in a baking dish. The top layer consists of remaining spaghetti sauce and a sprinkling of parmesan cheese. It is then baked in the oven for 30 minutes, followed by a 15-minute standing time before serving.
Ricotta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the creaminess and flavour of casseroles and Italian dishes. It pairs well with meats like beef, chicken, and sausage, as well as vegetables like mushrooms and onions. When combined with other cheeses, such as mozzarella and parmesan, it creates a decadent and indulgent flavour profile.
When preparing casseroles with ricotta cheese, it is essential to consider the dish's overall flavour profile and texture. Adjustments can be made by adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients to complement the ricotta cheese and create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
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Frequently asked questions
15 oz of ricotta cheese roughly translates to 1.875 cups.
Many recipes call for 2 cups (16 oz) of ricotta cheese, but most containers only sell ricotta cheese in 15 oz containers. This discrepancy is likely due to shrinkflation, where the recipe has not caught up with the current packaging.
Some sources suggest that 1 oz won't significantly impact the recipe, especially since it's not baking.
A store-bought lasagna recipe calls for 2 cups (16 oz) of ricotta cheese, but you can use a 15 oz container with little difference. You can also use 15 oz of ricotta cheese to make giant ravioli stuffed with sautéed lemony kale, homemade ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, onion, garlic, fresh parsley, and spices.
