Can you put raw meatballs in a pasta bake?

Yes, you can use raw meatballs in baked ziti with meatballs , but you need to adjust the bake time. Make sure the meatballs are small (about 1 inch), completely covered in sauce, and baked covered at 375°F for at least 40–45 minutes. Browning them first gives better flavor and texture, but raw works in a pinch if you’re short on time.

Can you use feta cheese in ziti?

Absolutely. While mozzarella and ricotta are traditional, feta adds a salty, tangy punch that blends surprisingly well with marinara and meatballs. Try mixing a little crumbled feta into the ricotta layer for a flavorful twist in your baked ziti with meatballs but stick with mozzarella on top for that golden, gooey finish.

What's the difference between baked ziti and baked lasagna?

The biggest difference lies in structure. Lasagna is neatly layered using wide pasta sheets, while baked ziti with meatballs is tossed together with tube-shaped pasta, meat, and cheese before baking. Ziti is quicker to prep and more rustic, making it a weeknight favorite, while lasagna is often saved for special occasions.

What type of pasta is best with meatballs?

Ziti, rigatoni, or penne are all ideal for baked ziti with meatballs . These short, sturdy pastas hold up to baking and soak up sauce well. Ziti’s tubular shape lets sauce and cheese cling to every bite, while rigatoni’s ridges give even more texture. Just avoid thin noodles that can’t handle the weight of the bake.

Baked Ziti with Meatballs – Ultimate Family Favorite (Easy Recipe)

Name: Baked Ziti with Meatballs That Everyone Will Love
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ziti pasta 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef/pork/turkey) 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 cup grated parmesan 2 cups marinara sauce 1 cup ricotta cheese 2 cups shredded mozzarella Salt & pepper to taste Fresh parsley for garnish

Description

A hearty, cheesy baked ziti with meatballs recipe that’s perfect for family dinners, leftovers, or make-ahead freezer meals.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ziti pasta 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef/pork/turkey) 1 cup breadcrumbs 1 egg 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 cup grated parmesan 2 cups marinara sauce 1 cup ricotta cheese 2 cups shredded mozzarella Salt & pepper to taste Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a large casserole dish. 2. Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside. 3. Mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan, and garlic. Form small meatballs. 4. Brown meatballs in a skillet until golden. 5. In a large bowl, combine pasta, marinara, ricotta, and half the mozzarella. 6. Layer pasta and meatballs in the casserole dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan. 7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. 8. Let cool 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

Make ahead and refrigerate overnight before baking. Add crumbled feta to ricotta for a tangy twist. Freezes well unbaked for up to 1 month.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 580
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 940mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 95mg