Baked Ziti with Meatballs

This baked ziti with meatballs is the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that combines al dente pasta, savory homemade meatballs, and gooey melted cheese into one magnificent casserole. My family requests this dish for almost every Sunday dinner, and the leftovers disappear faster than I can put them away.

I first made this recipe when hosting my Italian in-laws for dinner. They not only requested seconds but asked for the recipe which is the ultimate compliment from a family that takes their pasta very seriously.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta: the perfect tube shape captures sauce in every bite
• 1 jar marinara sauce: use your favorite brand or homemade for best results
• 1 pound ground beef: choose 80/20 for juicier meatballs with better flavor
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs: fresh works best but panko creates lighter meatballs
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese: aged Parmigiano Reggiano provides the most flavor
• 1/4 cup parsley: adds brightness and color to the meatballs
• 1 egg: the essential binding agent for perfect meatball texture
• 2 cloves garlic: fresh minced garlic provides superior flavor to pre-minced
• 1 tsp salt: kosher salt distributes more evenly than table salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper: freshly ground provides the most aromatic experience
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: low moisture whole milk mozzarella melts best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F ensuring it reaches full temperature before baking. Position the rack in the middle of the oven for even heat distribution.

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the ziti and cook until just al dente about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven so slightly undercooking prevents mushiness.

Prepare the Meatball Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl combine ground beef bread crumbs Parmesan cheese parsley egg minced garlic salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until ingredients are incorporated. Overmixing can result in tough meatballs.

Form the Meatballs:

With slightly damp hands roll the meat mixture into uniform 1inch meatballs. Making them the same size ensures even cooking. This should yield approximately 2425 meatballs.

Brown the Meatballs:

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding cook the meatballs until browned on all sides about 58 minutes. They dont need to be fully cooked through as theyll finish in the oven.

Assemble the Casserole:

Pour about half the marinara sauce into the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish. Add the drained ziti and browned meatballs then pour the remaining sauce over everything. Gently toss to ensure pasta and meatballs are well coated in sauce.

Add the Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top covering the entire surface. This creates that irresistible golden cheesy crust everyone fights over.

Bake to Perfection:

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 2025 minutes until the cheese is completely melted with golden brown spots and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.

Rest Before Serving:

Allow the baked ziti to rest for 510 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.

Save This

My grandmother always added a pinch of nutmeg to her meatball mixture which I continue to this day. She claimed it was her secret ingredient that made people come back for seconds every time. The aroma of this dish baking in the oven brings back countless family dinners around her table.

Make Ahead Options

Prepare this dish up to 24 hours before baking. Assemble everything except the cheese topping cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking add the cheese and bake as directed adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

For longer storage freeze the unbaked assembled casserole without cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator add cheese and bake adding 15 minutes to the cooking time. Alternatively bake from frozen covered with foil for 45 minutes then uncover add cheese and bake for an additional 2025 minutes.

Creative Variations

This recipe welcomes customization based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Try using half Italian sausage and half ground beef for more complex flavor. Vegetable lovers can add sautéed mushrooms bell peppers or spinach to the sauce.

For a spicier version add red pepper flakes to the sauce or incorporate hot Italian sausage in the meatball mixture. Cheese enthusiasts might enjoy adding ricotta dollops between the pasta layer or mixing in some pecorino romano with the mozzarella topping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty dish with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up extra sauce. For a complete Italian feast start with bruschetta or an antipasto platter.

This baked ziti also pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Montepulciano. The acidity in the wine helps cut through the richness of the cheese and complements the tomato sauce perfectly.

Common Queries

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Ziti is ideal for its tubular shape, but penne is a good substitute if ziti isn't available.

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can form and cook the meatballs in advance. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to assemble.

→ Is it possible to use homemade marinara sauce?

Absolutely. A homemade marinara offers even more depth of flavor and freshness to the dish.

→ How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?

Undercook the ziti slightly before baking, as it will continue cooking in the oven with the sauce.

→ What cheeses work best for topping?

Shredded mozzarella is classic, but adding provolone or more Parmesan can create extra flavor.

→ Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, assemble and freeze before baking. Bake from frozen, adding extra cook time as needed.