Baked Ziti and Meatball Casserole

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Baked Ziti and Meatball Casserole, a hearty Italian-inspired dish that layers al dente ziti pasta, tender homemade meatballs, and rich marinara sauce with a creamy ricotta cheese mixture and gooey melted mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, this casserole is packed with savory Italian sausage, fresh parsley, and a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for irresistible flavor in every bite. With its golden, bubbling top and layers of cheesy, meaty goodness, this easy baked pasta dish is as satisfying as it is simple to assemble. Serve with crusty garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete, unforgettable meal. Keywords: baked ziti casserole, meatball casserole, Italian comfort food, easy pasta bake, family dinner recipes.

Nutriscore Rating: 59/100

Prep Time:25 mins

Cook Time:55 mins

Total Time:80 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 ounces ziti pasta
• 1 pound ground beef
• 0.5 pound Italian sausage
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 32 ounces marinara sauce
• 1.5 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti pasta until al dente, as per the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, milk, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well incorporated.

Step 4

Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 6

In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and heat gently until warm. Reserve 1 cup of the sauce for assembly later.

Step 7

In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.

Step 8

To assemble the casserole, spread 1/2 cup of the reserved marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.

Step 9

Layer half of the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture evenly on top, followed by half of the browned meatballs.

Step 10

Pour half of the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Repeat the layering process with the remaining ziti, ricotta mixture, meatballs, and marinara sauce.

Step 11

Top the casserole with the remaining shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.

Step 12

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 13

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1994.1 grams (1994.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5323

Total Fat 278.90g	358%
Saturated Fat 123.40g	617%
Polyunsaturated Fat 14.60g
Cholesterol 1174mg	391%
Sodium 8309mg	361%
Total Carbohydrate 424.20g	154%
Dietary Fiber 27.20g	97%
Total Sugars 27.40g
Protein 313.40g	627%

Vitamin D 171IU	857%
Calcium 4106mg	316%
Iron 32mg	177%
Potassium 2440mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.0%

Protein: 23.0%

Carbs: 31.1%