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–+ servings
Skillet filled with Baked Ziti and Meatballs on the counter, with other ingredients in the background.
5 from 1 vote
Created by: Stefanie

Baked Ziti and Meatballs


Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
6
Baked Ziti and Meatballs is comfort food at its best! Flavorful and juicy meatballs are combined with tender ziti pasta in a rich and cheesy marinara sauce, topped with extra mozzarella cheese!
6

Ingredients

  • ½ pound ground pork
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt plus more for seasoning pasta water
  • ½ cup Italian herb-seasoned bread crumbs
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese divided
  • 16 oz. ziti noodles uncooked
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 recipe Marinara sauce or 46 oz. jarred sauce
  • 16 oz. block full-fat mozzarella cheese grated
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, onion flakes, oregano, black pepper, salt, bread crumbs, Worchestishire sauce, milk, egg, brown sugar, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Use gloved hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
  • Use a 2 tablespoon (or desired size) cookie dough scoop and form the meat mixture into balls. Roll in your hands for a tighter, more uniform meatball if desired.
  • Meanwhile, cook the ziti noodles in a pot of well-salted water according to package instructions. Cook to al dente. Drain.
  • Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides - they do not need to cook through to the center as they will continue cooking in the oven. Remove from heat.
  • Toss cooked ziti noodles with marinara sauce; adjust the amount of sauce to your personal taste. Mix 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese into the sauce/pasta mixture.
  • Spread the ziti/sauce mixture into a large oven-safe skillet or a 9x13 baking dish. Place the meatballs down into the pasta/sauce. Cover with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is browned to your liking.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and serve!

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Notes

    • Serve your Baked Ziti and Meatballs alongside a fresh light salad or some crusty bread that can be used to soak up any remaining sauce. Leftovers can be saved for the following day or for a modified meal such as a baked ziti and meatballs sub. 
    • Always make use of good quality meat when making your meatballs as this ensures maxim flavor. Homemade meatballs can always be made ahead of time for use in various dishes and stored in the freezer until needed. 
    • Whatever cheese you opt for, stick to grating your cheese at home instead of buying pre-shredded cheese. Store-bought shredded cheese usually has an anti-caking coating that prevents the cheese from melting smoothly.
    • For a creamier casserole, mix a tub of ricotta cheese into the pasta/sauce mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 898kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 48g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 1955mg | Potassium: 1167mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 1610IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 565mg | Iron: 5mg

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