Print

Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 126 reviews

This classic Baked Ziti with Meatballs is a comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender ziti pasta, flavorful homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines hearty meatballs with cheesy baked pasta for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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

Pasta and Sauce

  • 1 pound ziti pasta
  • 1 jar marinara sauce

Topping

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the assembled dish.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil the ziti according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly 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 everything well until uniformly combined.
  4. Form the Meatballs: Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs approximately 1 inch in diameter, ensuring they are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
  5. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet with some oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
  6. Assemble the Baking Dish: Pour the marinara sauce into a large baking dish. Add the cooked ziti and browned meatballs on top of the sauce. Mix everything gently to evenly distribute ingredients.
  7. Add Cheese Topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the assembled pasta and meatballs.
  8. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  9. Rest and Serve: Remove the baked ziti from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and avoid burning.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Adding red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture can add a nice spicy kick.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added to the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Ensure meatballs are browned but not fully cooked before baking to avoid overcooking.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

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