Best 8 Baked Ziti And Meatball Casserole Recipes

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**Baked Ziti and Meatball Casserole: A Hearty Comfort Dish with Two Flavorful Recipes**

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this delectable Baked Ziti and Meatball Casserole. This hearty dish combines two classic Italian recipes into one irresistible casserole. The tender ziti pasta, smothered in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, pairs perfectly with the juicy and savory meatballs. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through the process of creating this mouthwatering dish.

**The Baked Ziti**: This classic Italian casserole features layers of ziti pasta, a delectable blend of cheeses, and a flavorful tomato sauce. The secret lies in the homemade tomato sauce, simmered to perfection with a combination of fresh tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of red wine. The combination of Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses creates a gooey and flavorful filling that complements the pasta perfectly.

**The Meatballs**: These homemade meatballs are the heart and soul of the casserole. Crafted with a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal, these meatballs are seasoned with a blend of herbs, spices, and a hint of garlic. Pan-fried until golden brown, they add a delightful texture and savory flavor to the dish.

**The Assembly**: The casserole comes together effortlessly. Simply layer the cooked ziti pasta, tomato sauce, and meatballs in a baking dish, repeating until all ingredients are used. Top it off with a final layer of cheese and bake until bubbly and golden brown. The result is a visually appealing and tantalizing dish that will impress your family and friends.

**Taste and Occasion**: The Baked Ziti and Meatball Casserole is a symphony of flavors and textures. The tender pasta, succulent meatballs, and rich tomato sauce come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, a casual gathering, or simply craving a hearty meal, this casserole is sure to be a hit.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

MEATBALL BAKED ZITI



Meatball Baked Ziti image

Cheesy baked ziti with the easiest homemade meatballs. Quick to prepare and so so good. Comfort food at its best here!

Provided by Chungah Rhee

Categories     entree

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 pound ziti pasta
3/4 pound ground beef
3/4 pound ground pork
1/3 cup Panko
2 large egg yolks
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/3 cup dry red wine
1 (32-ounce) jar marinara sauce
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
8 ounces burrata cheese, torn into large pieces

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9 x 13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente; drain well. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Panko, egg yolks, garlic, basil and oregano; season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Using a wooden spoon or clean hands, stir until well combined. Roll the mixture into 1-to-1-1/4-inch meatballs, forming about 24 meatballs. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add meatballs, in batches, and cook until all sides are browned, about 2-3 minutes. Return meatballs to the skillet. Stir in wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in marinara sauce. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until flavors have blended, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in pasta, basil and parsley. Spread pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish; top with burrata. Place into oven and bake until bubbly, about 25-30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

BAKED ZITI WITH MEATBALLS



Baked Ziti With Meatballs image

Don't tell Grandma, but you do not have to make homemade meatballs and tomato sauce for this delicious pasta and meatballs dish. Of course, you can if you want to, but for a quick yet fulfilling weeknight meal, take advantage of quality convenience products from your grocery store. The night before preparing this ziti and meatball bake, put your frozen meatballs in the refrigerator so they can thaw. This dish is likely to bubble as it bakes, so we advise setting your baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet. Prepare the pasta according to package instructions, then add everything together in the baking dish. To make this ziti and meatball dish special, we added mushrooms, spinach, and pepperoni to the mix, but we think the secret ingredient is really the citrus. Sugar is often added to tomato sauce to help balance acidity. This recipe uses fresh orange juice instead for sweet citrus notes that boost the flavor of the marinara. Add a loaf of warm homemade bread and serve this meatball dish to your discerning Grandma. We bet she will love it.

Provided by Lisa Cericola

Categories     Pasta

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16-oz.) pkg. ziti, cooked according to pkg. directions for al dente
2 (24-oz.) jars marinara sauce
2 (14-oz.) pkg. frozen home-style beef meatballs, thawed
1 (8-oz.) pkg. cremini mushrooms, sliced (about 4 cups)
2 cups baby spinach
1 cup chopped pepperoni
½ cup fresh orange juice (about 1 large orange)
4 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Coat a 13- x 9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, and place baking dish on prepared baking sheet. Stir together pasta, marinara sauce, meatballs, mushrooms, spinach, pepperoni, and orange juice in baking dish.
  • Bake in preheated oven 10 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese, and continue baking until cheese is melted and pasta is thoroughly heated, about 10 minutes. Garnish with basil.

BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE MEATBALLS AND SPINACH



Baked Ziti With Sausage Meatballs and Spinach image

Baked ziti is meant to feed a crowd, and this one surely does. "Cheater" meatballs made with uncased Italian sausage are strewn throughout the sauce for heft, and baby spinach lends a pop of color. Because ricotta has a tendency to dry out when baked, crème fraîche is added to ensure a more velvety texture, but sour cream thinned out with a little heavy cream works just as well. The whole dish can be assembled and baked ahead the day before. Bring it to room temperature before warming, then broil right before serving for crisp edges.

Provided by Colu Henry

Categories     dinner, casseroles, pastas, main course

Time 1h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound sweet Italian sausage (pork, turkey or chicken), casing removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, roughly chopped
1 teaspoon red-pepper flakes (optional)
2 (28-ounce) cans whole San Marzano tomatoes with their juices
5 ounces baby spinach
Kosher salt and black pepper
1 pound ziti, penne or other short, tubular pasta
1 (15-ounce) container ricotta
7 ounces crème fraîche (about 1 scant cup)
1 cup grated pecorino
3/4 pound fresh mozzarella, cut or torn into 1/2-inch pieces

Steps:

  • Using your hands, shape the sausage into about 35 (1-inch) meatballs.
  • In a deep 12-inch skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium. Working in two batches, fry the meatballs until golden all over, about 2 minutes per side, then transfer to a paper towel-lined sheet pan or platter. Cook the onion until softened, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano and red-pepper flakes, if using, and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the tomatoes and their juices to the skillet, gently crushing them. Stir in the meatballs, bring to a simmer and cook, 20 minutes. Gently fold in the spinach, tossing until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until 2 to 3 minutes short of al dente (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain pasta.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, crème fraîche and half the pecorino. Season with salt and pepper. Stir half the meatball sauce into the ricotta mixture. Add pasta and toss together to coat. Pour into a 9-by-13-inch baking dish that's at least 2 1/2 inches deep. Top with the remaining meatball sauce, the mozzarella and the remaining pecorino. Place uncovered baking dish on a sheet tray and bake until the cheese is melty and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Turn heat to broil and cook until the cheese and pasta brown in spots, 1 to 2 minutes. (Don't walk away; the cheese can burn very quickly!) Remove from oven and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 567, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 47 grams, Fat 28 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 32 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 906 milligrams, Sugar 7 grams

BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE



Baked Ziti Casserole image

Great ziti dish for any lover of pasta. Easy to make and 'wows' the crowd.

Provided by skentals

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 (16 ounce) package ziti
1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
1 ½ cups tomato sauce
1 (8 ounce) package shredded mozzarella cheese
1 egg, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
2 cups tomato sauce, divided
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook ziti in boiling water until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 13 minutes; drain. Rinse ziti with cold water until cool; drain.
  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Mix ziti, ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, egg, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
  • Spread 1/2 cup tomato sauce into the bottom of a 2 1/2-quart shallow baking dish. Pour ziti mixture into the dish. Top with remaining 1 1/2 cup tomato sauce and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in preheated oven until sauce and cheese layer is bubbly and lightly browned, about 30 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.5 calories, Carbohydrate 53.3 g, Cholesterol 59.9 mg, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 4.1 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 1140.7 mg, Sugar 5.6 g

BAKED ZITI CASSEROLE



Baked Ziti Casserole image

With its rich Italian flavor and generous combination of cheeses, it's hard to believe this pasta entree is light. this simple, meatless baked ziti is made up of six ingredients. It's sure to become a favorite with your family.-Paula Zsiray, Logan, Utah

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 package (16 ounces) ziti or small tube pasta
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 carton (15 ounces) part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 jar (28 ounces) meatless spaghetti sauce
2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the egg, ricotta and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. , Spread 1 cup spaghetti sauce in a 13x9-in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with a third of the pasta, half of the ricotta mixture, 2/3 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese and 1 cup sauce. Repeat layers of pasta, ricotta mixture and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese. Top with remaining pasta, sauce mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. , Cover and bake at 375° for 45-50 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 8g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 43mg cholesterol, Sodium 508mg sodium, Carbohydrate 36g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

MEATBALL PASTA BAKE



Meatball Pasta Bake image

This easy-to-make baked meatball pasta bake is better than lasagna!

Provided by Karla Harmer

Categories     Noodle Casserole

Time 1h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 ½ pounds frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
2 (28 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes less than the package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
  • Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add marinara sauce and ricotta cheese; mix to combine. Add cooked pasta and mix to combine. Season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
  • Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of sauce without meatballs. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Add another layer of sauce with meatballs on top and sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Add another layer of 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the sauce and meatball mixture on top, followed by remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 30 minutes.
  • Remove foil and bake until cheese starts to turn golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 701.4 calories, Carbohydrate 76.6 g, Cholesterol 107.6 mg, Fat 25.7 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 38.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.9 g, Sodium 1276.8 mg

BAKED MEATBALL ZITI



Baked Meatball Ziti image

I made this using Recipe #229175, but use your favorite meatballs. A great way to use leftover meatballs!

Provided by Rita1652

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h25m

Yield 1 casserole, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

24 ounces 80% lean ground beef (20% fat)
1/4 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1 egg, lightly whisked
1/4 cup finely minced onion
1/4 cup pesto sauce (prepared or store bought or Pesto)
1 lb ziti pasta or 1 lb penne, cooked al dente
2 cups Baby Spinach, chopped
15 ounces ricotta cheese
1 egg
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
2 cups cubed mozzarella cheese (about 12 ounces)
1 cup freshly grated romano cheese (about 3 ounces)
black pepper
6 -8 cups tomato sauce

Steps:

  • Meatball:.
  • Preheat oven to 425°F
  • Grease a cookie sheet with spray.
  • Mix all ingredients together by hand and form into over sized golf balls.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, until no longer pink in the middle.
  • Just before pasta is done add spinach to the cooking water for 1 minute then drain well.
  • Lower oven to 350°F
  • Oil a 10 x 13 casserole pan.
  • Mix Ricotta, egg, parsley, mozzarella, and 3/4 of the Romano cheese.
  • Mix the cheese together with the cooked pasta to coat.
  • Spoon about 1 cup tomato sauce prepared dish and spoon half of pasta on top. Place meatballs on pasta topping with half the remaining sauce. Spread remaining pasta mixture and then top with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with Romano cheese. And if you like top with additional mozzarella sliced thin. Bake ziti in middle of oven 30 to 40 minutes, or until golden, and let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 540.4, Fat 27.1, SaturatedFat 13.5, Cholesterol 128.3, Sodium 1116.2, Carbohydrate 42, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 6.7, Protein 32.1

BAKED ZITI AND MEATBALL CASSEROLE



Baked Ziti and Meatball Casserole image

Great recipe fo serve a bunch. If you have meatballs and tomato sauce Recipe #240802 waiting for you in the freezer;it is fast to prepare.

Provided by Sageca

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta, substitute penne pasta
4 cups tomato sauce
1 large egg
1 (15 ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon . fresh coarse ground black pepper
12 lean meatballs, thawed and sliced
1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • In saucepot, prepare pasta as label directs in boiling salted water, drain. Return pasta to saucepot.
  • Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan, heat tomato sauce, covered, until hot over medium-low heat. (If tomato sauce is frozen, add 2 tablespoons water to saucepan to prevent sorching). Add 3 cups sauce to pasta in saucepot, toss well. Reserve remaining 1 cup sauce.
  • In medium bowl, stir together egg, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Into 3 1/2- to 4-quart shallow casserole or 13-inch by 9-inch glass baking dish, spoon half the pasta mixture, top with all the sliced meatballs. Drop ricotta-cheese mixture by spoonfuls evenly over meatball layer. Spoon remaining pasta mixture over ricotta-cheese layer, then spoon remaining 1 cup sauce over pasta. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, 60 minutes or until very hot and cheese browns slightly.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 415.4, Fat 11.1, SaturatedFat 6.2, Cholesterol 63.1, Sodium 1064.2, Carbohydrate 55.4, Fiber 3.7, Sugar 6.8, Protein 23.6

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish.
  • Don't overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta is best for baked ziti and meatball casserole.
  • Make sure the sauce is thick enough. A thin sauce will make the casserole watery.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses. There are many different types of cheese that can be used in this dish, so feel free to find one that you like.
  • Serve the casserole hot and bubbly. This is the best way to enjoy it!

Conclusion:

Baked ziti and meatball casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for a family meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your pasta al dente or well-done, with a thick or thin sauce, or with a variety of cheeses, there is a baked ziti and meatball casserole recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give this dish a try.

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