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Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 65 reviews

This classic Baked Ziti with Meatballs recipe combines tender, juicy homemade meatballs with perfectly cooked ziti pasta, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden bubbly perfection and finished with fresh parsley, this hearty Italian-American dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs

  • 1 and 1/2 lbs. ground pork
  • 1 and 1/2 lbs. ground beef
  • 2 cups dried breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Pasta and Assembly

  • 500g Ziti pasta, cooked and drained
  • 6 cups (2 jars) marinara sauce
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 3 to 4 tbsp fresh chopped parsley (flat leaf Italian or curly)
  • 4 tbsp fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Olive oil, for brushing the baking sheet and dish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork and ground beef. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the meat, then pour in the milk. Let the milk soak into the breadcrumbs for about two minutes while you chop the onion.
  2. Add Remaining Meatball Ingredients: Add the finely chopped onion, eggs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
  3. Mix the Meatball Mixture: Using clean hands or a wooden spoon, gently mix until all ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the meatballs tender.
  4. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into 2-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lightly brushed with olive oil.
  5. Bake the Meatballs: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the meatballs for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
  6. Store Excess Meatballs: This recipe makes about 48 meatballs, but you will only use 24. Store the extra cooled meatballs in ziplock bags in the fridge for up to three days or freeze for up to two months.
  7. Assemble the Baked Ziti: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained ziti pasta with 24 meatballs. Pour the marinara sauce over the top and stir gently until everything is coated evenly.
  8. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture to a lightly oiled 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
  9. Bake the Ziti: Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbling.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a few tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.

Notes

  • You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze for convenient meals later.
  • Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to avoid tough meatballs.
  • If ziti pasta is not available, penne or rigatoni can be substituted.
  • For a richer flavor, use homemade marinara sauce if desired.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on your preferred seasoning level.

Keywords: baked ziti, meatballs, Italian pasta bake, comfort food, Italian-American recipe, family dinner

Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/baked-ziti-with-meatballs-recipe/