Baked Ziti And Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Ziti And Meatball Casserole

• Ziti Pasta
• 2 1/2 cups your favorite tomato sauce (or use recipe #240802)
• 1 large egg
• Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh Parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh Coarse Ground Black Pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds meatballs, sliced in half
• Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese

How to Make Baked Ziti And Meatball Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. While the pasta cooks, gently heat the tomato sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ziti and 3 cups of the warmed tomato sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. In a 3 1/2- to 4-quart shallow casserole dish or a 13x9 inch baking dish, layer half of the pasta mixture.
7. Top the pasta layer with the sliced meatballs.
8. Evenly spoon the ricotta cheese mixture over the meatballs.
9. Layer the remaining pasta mixture on top of the ricotta cheese.
10. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of tomato sauce over the top.
11. Sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.
12. Bake uncovered for 60 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, heated through, and the cheese is golden brown and slightly crispy.