Name: Cheesy Baked Ziti with Juicy Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta; 1 lb ground beef or beef/pork mix; 1 egg; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)

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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Juicy Meatballs is a comforting, hearty casserole combining tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It’s the ultimate family‑friendly bake that’s easy to prepare but feels indulgent enough for company.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Credibly satisfying, this dish blends protein, carbs, and cheese into one easy‑to‑serve meal. The juicy meatballs offer savory depth, the cheese creates oozy goodness, and the casserole format makes it perfect for potlucks or weeknight dinners. It keeps well, reheats beautifully, and appeals to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ziti pasta
Ground beef (or mix of beef/pork)
Egg
Breadcrumbs
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped
Garlic powder or minced garlic
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Onion, chopped
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Ricotta cheese (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; mix gently and form into meatballs (about 1¼ inches each). In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat; brown meatballs on all sides (they will finish cooking in oven), then transfer to a plate. In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent; add marinara sauce and whisk to combine. Layer half of the cooked pasta into a 9×13‑inch baking dish; pour half the sauce over it, then place meatballs evenly on top. Drop spoonfuls of ricotta if using, then sprinkle half the mozzarella. Add the remaining pasta, top with the rest of sauce, arrange remaining meatballs, and finish with mozzarella and extra Parmesan. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes; remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6–8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter meatballs. Mix fresh spinach or roasted vegetables into the pasta layer. Swap ziti for penne or rigatoni. Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat. Use a homemade tomato sauce seasoned with fresh basil. Top with provolone or fontina cheese for a different melt.

Storage / Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months—portion into freezer‑safe containers. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through; top with fresh cheese if desired. Microwave single servings in a covered dish for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway.

FAQs

1. Can I bake without browning meatballs?

Yes—you can roll meatballs and bake them directly, though pre‑browning adds flavor and helps them hold shape.

2. Can I assemble ahead of time?

Yes—prepare everything, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking (add extra baking time if cold).

3. Is this freezer‑friendly?

Absolutely—cook through Step 4, cool, then freeze before baking; thaw and bake per recipe instructions.

4. What cheese combination works best?

Mozzarella is essential for melt; Parmesan adds flavor. Ricotta or fontina add richness.

5. Can I use gluten‑free pasta?

Yes—choose your favorite gluten‑free pasta and ensure breadcrumbs are GF.

6. My sauce seems too watery—what should I do?

Simmer sauce uncovered before assembling to reduce excess liquid.

7. How can I make meatballs more tender?

Don’t over‑mix the meat—gently combine ingredients to avoid tough texture.

8. Can I skip ricotta?

Yes—ricotta adds creaminess but can be omitted for a simpler bake.

9. What sides pair well?

Serve with crusty bread, green salad, roasted vegetables or garlic knots.

10. Can I add vegetables?

Yes—spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms fold in before baking.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Juicy Meatballs is satisfying, versatile, and thoroughly comforting. With tender meatballs, saucy pasta, and a golden cheese crust, it’s perfect for family dinners, crowd-pleasing gatherings, and make‑ahead meals. Enjoy the hearty flavors and ease of this timeless casserole!

Cheesy Baked Ziti with Juicy Meatballs

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Cheesy Baked Ziti with Juicy Meatballs is a hearty and comforting pasta casserole layered with tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, flavorful meatballs, and gooey cheeses—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Bake
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook ziti according to package directions until al dente, drain, and set aside.
In a bowl, combine ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1¼-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides. Transfer to a plate (they will finish cooking in the oven).
In the same skillet, sauté onion until translucent, then stir in marinara sauce.
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta. Pour half the sauce over it, place meatballs on top, add dollops of ricotta (if using), and sprinkle half the mozzarella.
Repeat with remaining pasta, sauce, meatballs, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.