Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into an Italian feast! Our Baked Ziti and Meatballs recipe is the ultimate comfort food that promises to make your taste buds dance with joy. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta, juicy meatballs, and a blanket of melted cheese that stretches with every forkful - this isn't just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ziti pasta
- 1 lb meatballs
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- If using pre-made meatballs, warm them in marinara sauce. If making from scratch, cook meatballs thoroughly in a skillet until internal temperature reaches 160°F, then mix with marinara sauce.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti, meatballs, and marinara sauce. Gently mix to ensure even coating. If the mixture seems dry, add a little reserved pasta water.
- Transfer half the pasta and meatball mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the layer.
- Add the remaining pasta and meatball mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly across the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips
- For the most tender meatballs, use a mix of ground beef and pork, and avoid overmixing the meat to prevent toughness.
- Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This prevents mushy pasta in the final dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency can help bind the sauce and pasta if the mixture seems dry.
- Use high-quality marinara sauce or make your own for the best flavor profile.
- Let the dish rest after baking to allow the cheese to set and make serving easier. This also helps the flavors meld together.
- For a crispy top, broil the dish for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like adding provolone or ricotta for extra richness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 950kcal
Carbohydrates: 99g
Protein: 52g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
