Baked Ziti With Mini Meatballs Recipe

Ingredients for Baked Ziti With Mini Meatballs

• Ziti Pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• Tomatoes With Basil
• Part Skim Ricotta Cheese
• Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese
• Eggs
• Lean Ground Meat
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Baked Ziti With Mini Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook 1 pound of ziti until al dente. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, gently mix together 1 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup finely chopped onion, 1/2 cup bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 large egg, and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil. If the mixture is too soft, add more bread crumbs; if too stiff, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
4. Roll the meat mixture into small meatballs (approximately 1 inch in diameter).
5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, ensuring they are cooked through. Drain excess grease and set aside.
6. In a medium bowl, combine 15 ounces ricotta cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1 large egg. Mix well.
7. Add the cooked ziti to the ricotta mixture and stir gently to combine.
8. In a separate bowl, combine one 24-ounce jar of your favorite pasta sauce with one 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes (use slightly less than the full can). Set aside.
9. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch lasagna pan with non-stick cooking spray.
10. Layer 1/3 of the sauce in the prepared pan, followed by half of the ziti and ricotta mixture. Top with all the meatballs.
11. Add another 1/3 of the sauce, followed by the remaining ziti and ricotta mixture.
12. Pour the remaining 1/3 of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
13. Loosely cover the pan with aluminum foil.
14. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
15. Let the baked ziti stand for at least 10 minutes before serving.