Ever have one of those meals that transports you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria? You know, the kind where the checkered tablecloths feel like a hug, the air smells of garlic and simmering tomato sauce, and the first bite of your dish makes your eyes roll back in pure contentment? That’s exactly the experience I had with this Restaurant-Style Baked Ziti with Meatballs.
Now, I’m not one to throw around hyperbole. I’ve devoured my fair share of pasta dishes in my time, from simple spaghetti aglio e olio to fancy truffle-infused fettuccine. But this baked ziti? It was a revelation.
Imagine this: plump, juicy meatballs seasoned to perfection nestled amongst perfectly al dente ziti pasta. Each bite bursts with rich, tangy marinara sauce that clings lovingly to the noodles. Then, the melty, gooey magic happens. A generous layer of mozzarella cheese blankets the entire dish, transforming it into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece when it emerges from the oven. The aroma alone is enough to make your stomach growl in anticipation.
But this dish isn’t just about the luxurious ingredients or the symphony of textures. It’s about the pure, unadulterated comfort it delivers. It’s a dish that evokes memories of family dinners, warm kitchens filled with laughter, and that satisfying feeling of a full belly and a happy heart. It’s the kind of food that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring every single mouthful and wishing you could go back for seconds (or thirds!).
So, if you’re looking for a dinner that’s more than just a meal, a dish that elevates comfort food to a whole new level, then look no further. This Restaurant-Style Baked Ziti with Meatballs is about to become your new favorite way to say “I love you” to your taste buds.
Why you will love this recipe?
- Flavor Explosion: Imagine juicy, seasoned meatballs nestled in perfectly cooked ziti pasta. Each bite is a burst of flavor thanks to the rich and tangy marinara sauce that coats everything beautifully.
- Melty Cheese Heaven: A generous layer of mozzarella cheese transforms the dish into a bubbling masterpiece when it comes out of the oven. Get ready for that glorious cheese pull and the ultimate gooey satisfaction.
- Comfort Food Nirvana: Forget fancy dishes – this baked ziti is pure comfort food magic. It evokes warm memories and the satisfying feeling of a home-cooked meal shared with loved ones.
- Restaurant Quality, Made Easy: This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor without the hassle. It’s surprisingly simple to make, yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its combination of pasta, meatballs, and cheese, it’s a winner for people of all ages.
How to Make Restaurant-Style Baked Ziti with Meatballs
This family-sized meal can be made ahead of time, or you can enjoy it straight out of the oven with any leftovers easily stored to be enjoyed again over the following days.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ground pork
- ½ pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon minced onion
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon coarse sea salt plus more for seasoning pasta water
- ½ cup Italian herb-seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ teaspoon Worchestire sauce
- ½ cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese divided
- 16 oz. ziti noodles uncooked
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 recipe Marinara sauce link or 46 oz. jarred sauce
- 16 oz. block full-fat mozzarella cheese grated
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground pork, ground beef, onion flakes, oregano, black pepper, salt, bread crumbs, Worchestishire sauce, egg, milk, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Use gloved hands to mix the ingredients thoroughly.
- Use a 2 tablespoon (or desired size) cookie dough scoop and form the meat mixture into balls. Roll in your hands for a tighter, more uniform meatball if desired.
- Meanwhile, cook the ziti noodles according to package instructions to al dente. Drain.
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides – they do not need to cook through to the center as they will continue cooking in the oven. Remove from heat.
- Toss cooked ziti noodles with marinara sauce; adjust the amount of sauce to your personal taste. Mix 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of the parmesan cheese into the sauce/pasta mixture.
- Spread the ziti/sauce mixture into a large oven-safe skillet or a 9×13 baking dish. Place the meatballs down into the pasta/sauce. Cover with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and cheese is browned to your liking.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve!
Nutrition
Calories: 846kcal | Carbohydrates: 69g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 150mg | Sodium: 926mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 669IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 535mg | Iron: 3mg
