Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe

Name: Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 ounces dried ziti pasta; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled; 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes; 1 pound fresh Italian sausage, casings removed, sausage meat pinched off in 1-inch pieces; 16 ounces whole-milk ricotta; 1 large egg; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

Servings: persons

12 ounces dried ziti pasta
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 yellow onion, diced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 (28-ounce) can fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
1 pound fresh Italian sausage, casings removed, sausage meat pinched off in 1-inch pieces
16 ounces whole-milk ricotta
1 large egg
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded fresh mozzarella cheese

1
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.
3
Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
4
Add the garlic and onion and cook until softened, 5 to 8 minutes.
5
Add 1/4 teaspoon of the the salt, the pepper, dried herbs, sugar, and tomatoes.
6
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer at least 20 minutes.
7
Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
8
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat.
9
Cook the sausage pieces, stirring very little so they keep their meatball shape, until golden brown and cooked through, about 10 minutes.
10
Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain, then add to the pasta mixture.
11
Mix the ricotta, egg, remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt, and half of both cheeses.
12
Spread half the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish.
13
Dollop evenly with the ricotta mixture.
14
Cover with the remaining pasta mixture.
15
Sprinkle evenly with remaining cheeses.
16
Bake until the mixture is bubbling and the cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.

898

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 12 ounces dried ziti pasta, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 yellow onion, diced, and more.

Yes, Baked Ziti with Meatballs Recipe falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!