Baked Ziti with Meatballs

Dive into pure comfort with this irresistible Baked Ziti with Meatballs, a hearty and flavorful casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. This recipe layers tender ziti pasta, homemade beef-and-pork meatballs infused with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan, and rich marinara sauce. Creamy ricotta and gooey melted mozzarella create a cheesy decadence, topped with a hint of freshly grated Parmesan for an irresistible golden crust. Baked to bubbling perfection and garnished with fragrant basil, this dish combines classic Italian flavors with a cozy baked twist. With just 30 minutes of prep time and easy-to-follow steps, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 16 oz ziti pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 0.5 lb ground pork
• 1 large egg
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 0.25 cup extra grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp basil leaves, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well with your hands until evenly combined.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, cooking for about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 6

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.

Step 7

Add half of the cooked ziti, then half of the meatballs, followed by half of the ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.

Step 8

Repeat the layers with the remaining ziti, meatballs, marinara sauce, ricotta, and mozzarella.

Step 9

Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese on top and cover with foil.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped basil leaves.

Step 12

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2804.9 grams (2804.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5717

Total Fat 295.40g	379%
Saturated Fat 121.40g	607%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 1082mg	361%
Sodium 7946mg	345%
Total Carbohydrate 442.30g	161%
Dietary Fiber 34.80g	124%
Total Sugars 40.20g
Protein 328.70g	657%

Vitamin D 69IU	345%
Calcium 3898mg	300%
Iron 34mg	187%
Potassium 1631mg	35%

*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: 46.3%

Protein: 22.9%

Carbs: 30.8%