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Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

A comforting and hearty Baked Ziti with flavorful homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, perfect for a satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound ziti

Meatballs

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

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the ziti dish.
  2. Cook the pasta: Boil the ziti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Prepare the 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 all ingredients are well incorporated.
  4. Form meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch diameter meatballs, making sure they are evenly sized for even cooking.
  5. Brown the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil. Add the meatballs and cook them until browned on all sides, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  6. Assemble the dish: Pour marinara sauce into a baking dish, then add the cooked ziti and browned meatballs. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  7. Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the ziti and meatball mixture.
  8. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  9. Rest before serving: Remove dish from oven and let it cool for a few minutes to let flavors settle before serving.

Notes

  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred for dietary needs.
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option.
  • To save time, use pre-made meatballs or marinara sauce, but homemade is best for flavor.
  • For extra richness, mix some ricotta cheese into the pasta before baking.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling as it will cook further in the oven.

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