Are you looking for a comforting and delicious dish to impress your family and friends? Look no further! This Baked Ziti with Meatballs is the perfect choice for a cozy dinner night. It blends hearty flavors with an inviting presentation, making it an instant favorite. Let’s dive right into this delightful recipe!
Baked Ziti with Meatballs
Check out this mouthwatering image of our dish!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ziti pasta
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 jar (26 ounces) marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or Italian sausage until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the marinara sauce to the meat in the skillet, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth.
- Combine the cooked ziti pasta with the meat sauce mixture and stir to ensure the pasta is evenly coated.
- In a large baking dish, layer half of the ziti and meat mixture, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture over the top. Spread it out gently.
- Add the remaining ziti, followed by the rest of the ricotta mixture. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
There you have it! A wonderful Baked Ziti with Meatballs that’s sure to warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy every delicious bite!