Description
Baked Ziti with Meatballs
Ingredients:
500g ziti or penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12-15 cooked meatballs
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for 1 minute. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.
5. In a baking dish, spread a layer of the pasta mixture, top with meatballs, and dollop ricotta cheese over the top.
6. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve warm and enjoy every cheesy bite!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed process for a perfect baked ziti. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook 500g of ziti in well-salted water until just al dente, as it will cook further in the oven. Drain and return it to the pot. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, then pour in 2 cups of marinara sauce. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to combine flavors. In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, the warm sauce, and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until evenly coated.
Now, assemble the dish. Spread half of the sauced pasta mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Evenly place 12-15 cooked meatballs over the pasta. Using a spoon, dollop 1 cup of ricotta cheese in between the meatballs. Cover with the remaining pasta mixture. Finally, sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake on the center rack for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbly. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty baked ziti is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp, simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For a vegetable side, consider roasted broccoli or asparagus. To serve, use a sturdy spoon to ensure you get layers of pasta, meatball, and cheese in each portion.
How-to Summary
To summarize: cook pasta al dente, simmer garlic with marinara sauce, and combine. Layer in a dish: half the pasta, meatballs, ricotta, remaining pasta, and top with cheeses. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Rest before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked ziti ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or any short, tube-shaped pasta with ridges (to hold the sauce) works perfectly.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I use store-bought meatballs? Yes, fully cooked frozen or refrigerated meatballs are a great time-saver. Thaw frozen meatballs before adding to the dish.
How can I prevent the pasta from drying out? Ensure your sauce simmers before mixing with the pasta, and don’t overcook the pasta initially. Letting the assembled dish rest before baking allows the pasta to absorb some sauce moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the pasta before baking, as it will become mushy. Do not skip letting the assembled dish rest before serving; this allows the layers to set for cleaner slices. Using cold ricotta straight from the fridge can make it difficult to dollop; letting it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes helps. Finally, ensure your meatballs are fully cooked before adding them to the bake.
Conclusion
This Baked Ziti with Meatballs is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender pasta, savory meatballs, and three types of cheese in one satisfying dish. It’s straightforward to prepare, perfect for feeding a crowd, and easily adaptable to your preferences. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a restaurant-quality meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the delicious, cheesy results of your efforts!