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Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

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4.6 from 64 reviews

This Baked Ziti with Meatballs is a hearty Italian-American casserole featuring tender pasta, savory homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and a generous layer of melted mozzarella cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti
  • 1 jar marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cheese Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
  2. Cook Pasta: Boil the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
  4. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter.
  5. Sear Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, but not fully cooked through.
  6. Assemble Dish: In a baking dish, pour the marinara sauce, then add the cooked ziti and seared meatballs. Stir gently to combine evenly.
  7. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and meatballs.
  8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese has melted, is bubbly, and slightly golden.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • Using fresh parsley brightens the dish but dried can be substituted if needed.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta since it will bake further in the oven.
  • You can prepare meatballs in advance and freeze them for a quick meal later.
  • Serve with garlic bread and a green salad for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/baked-ziti-with-meatballs-recipe/