Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The Comfort of Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm, cheesy baked pasta pulled fresh from the oven, and for me, that’s exactly what this Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe delivers. It’s a dish that feels like a loving hug at the dinner table—golden, bubbly, and filled with layers of flavor that keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a casual family night or a weekend gathering, this recipe never fails to bring people together. I love how the tender meatballs nestle into the ziti, soaking up the rich marinara with melted mozzarella crowning the whole dish. You’ll notice the sauce brightens the entire casserole, while the cheesy top gets lightly crisped and velvety all at once. It’s easy enough to make on a busy evening, yet special enough to impress guests. Cooking it becomes a little act of kindness that fills your kitchen with warm, aromatic scents. If you’ve never made baked ziti before, this dish offers a perfect intro: hearty, approachable, and forgiving. I promise you’ll get that cozy feeling as soon as you taste it. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Ingredient Guide

• 1 pound ziti: Classic tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully, but penne or rigatoni work, too.
• 1 jar marinara sauce: A rich, aromatic base—choose a quality brand or homemade for fuller flavor.
• 1 pound ground beef: The star of the meatballs, providing juicy, meaty richness. You can switch half with ground pork or turkey.
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and keep them tender—panko adds extra lightness.
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a savory, nutty depth to the meatballs.
• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped): Brightens and freshens up the flavors inside the meatballs.
• 1 egg: The natural binder that holds everything together seamlessly.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): For that unmistakable warmth and fragrance.
• 1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the dish.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into a gooey, golden blanket that pulls all the ingredients together.

Prep Before You Begin

Before you dive in, I like to start by setting the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly preheated when the casserole is ready to go in. Having your ingredients measured and lined up—known as mise en place—makes the whole process smoother and more joyful. Cooking the ziti just to al dente ensures it doesn’t turn mushy later, so keep an eye on the timer.

How to Make Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready to crisply melt that bubbly golden cheese topping. 2. Cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente—usually 1-2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well and set aside so it doesn’t overcook in the casserole. 3. Combine ground beef, bread crumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. I like to use my hands to mix gently but thoroughly until everything blends evenly. 4. Shape the meat mixture into small, 1-inch diameter meatballs. Try to keep them uniform so they brown and bake evenly. This step always sparks childhood memories for me—there’s something oddly satisfying about rolling tiny spheres of goodness. 5. Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil. Turn gently until all sides are beautifully browned but not fully cooked through—they’ll finish baking with the pasta. This step locks in flavor and adds a lovely caramelized texture.