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    Posted In: Delish, Main Entrees
    September 18, 2014 — Updated May 5, 2019 — by Julie — Leave a Comment

    Home » Delish » Main Entrees » Baked Ziti with Mini Meatballs

    Baked Ziti with Mini Meatballs

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    Baked Ziti Casserole with Mini Meatballs

    Nothing like baked ziti on a cold winter night. Nothing. I always get excited when buying ingredients to make baked ziti. I decided to add some mini meatballs as well because meatballs are delicious and go great with pasta and cheese. I served this with red wine, salad, garlic bread, and lots of parmesan cheese.

    Many of my Youtube subscribers requested “porkless meatballs” so these meatballs are beef only. However, if you prefer your meatballs with pork, here is an awesome recipe so that you can adjust this recipe to your liking.

    Baked Ziti with Mini Meatballs - recipe with video

    Baked Ziti with Mini Meatballs

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Course: Entree
    Cuisine: American, Italian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour
    Total Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 687kcal
    Author: Julie Maestre
    This classic and delicious baked ziti casserole with mini meatballs is the perfect easy pasta dish.

    Ingredients

    Meatballs:

    • 2 lb beef
    • 1 egg
    • 3 tbsp bread crumbs
    • 3 tbsp parsley
    • 2 tbsp basil
    • 2 tbsp chopped onions
    • 1 garlic clove
    • 1/4 cup parmsan cheese
    • 3 tbsp milk
    • pinch of chili powder
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Ricotta and Tomato Sauce:

    • 56 ounces crushed tomatoes
    • 2 tbsp chopped onions
    • 1 garlic clove
    • pinch of red rushed pepper
    • 2 tbsp basil
    • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
    • 1/2 cup wine
    • sugar to taste
    • salt and pepper to taste
    • 2 lb penne pasta
    • 1 tsp oregano
    • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
    • 3 cups mozzarella cheese

    Instructions

    • In a large bowl, combine the beef, onions, minced garlic, parsley, basil, bread crumbs, egg, milk, parmesan cheese, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Using your hands mix gently, careful not to over mix.
    • Roll meat mixture into golf sized balls and then fry the meatballs in vegetable oil over medium-high heat, working in batches. Brown them on all sides. Each batch should take about 10 minutes.
    • Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
    • Add the onions and cook until translucent.
    • Stir in the basil, red crushed pepper, fresh garlic, and cook until fragrant.
    • Add the crushed tomatoes, red wine, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for 20 minutes on low heat.
    • Add basil and ricotta cheese to the crushed tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
    • Add the meatballs and reserve 1 cup of sauce for later.
    • Stir in the cooked penne pasta.
    • Check for seasoning.
    • Place the pasta in a baking dish and stir in some fresh mozzarella cheese.
    • Ladle the remaining cup of sauce and then top it off with the remaining mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese.
    • Bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees F. For 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is completely melted.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 687kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 490mg | Potassium: 843mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 780IU | Vitamin C: 13.8mg | Calcium: 318mg | Iron: 4.7mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cookedbyjulie or tag #cookedbyjulie!

    Filed Under: Delish, Main Entrees

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    Hi, I'm Julie! I’m extremely fortunate to make a living doing what I truly love – creating and sharing my favorite “can’t live without” recipes with readers from all over the world.

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