Baked Ziti with Meatballs
Baked Ziti with Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender pasta, savory meatballs, and a rich marinara sauce topped with gooey melted cheese. This hearty dish brings together familiar flavors for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With its irresistible aroma and layered textures, each bite is a delicious reminder of your favorite Italian restaurant.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 15 oz ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sear meatballs until browned on all sides.
- Cook ziti according to package instructions until al dente; drain.
- In another bowl, mix ricotta with salt and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half the pasta, followed by half the marinara sauce, half the meatballs, and half the ricotta mixture. Repeat layers ending with mozzarella on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Swap ground beef for turkey or a vegetarian option for a different twist. Add sautéed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra nutrition. For added creaminess, use whole milk ricotta or blend cheeses.