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Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

Italian-American · Main course · 75 min total

A comforting Italian-American casserole featuring tender ziti pasta, homemade meatballs, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cups marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs (about 24).
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate; set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Return meatballs to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked ziti with the sauce and meatballs. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Tips

• To save time, use store-bought frozen meatballs and your favorite jarred marinara sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a richer flavor, add 1/2 cup ricotta cheese to the pasta mixture before baking.

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