Stuffed

Baked Ziti Stuffed With Meatballs

Name: Baked Ziti Stuffed With Meatballs
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork; 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs; 1 egg; 1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoes; 1 tsp (5g) dried oregano; 1 tsp (5g) salt; 1/2 tsp (2g) black pepper; 1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheese; 1 lb (450g) ziti pasta

By Greta Yarrow · June 19, 2026 · Stuffed

Prep30 min

Cook45 min

Total75 min

Serves6

There's something special about a warm, comforting bowl of pasta that just feels like home. For me, that dish is baked ziti stuffed with meatballs. It's a classic Italian-American recipe that never fails to put a smile on my family's faces. I remember learning how to make it from my grandmother, who would spend hours in the kitchen perfecting the recipe. Now, I'm excited to share it with you.

This recipe is all about layers of flavor, from the tender meatballs to the rich tomato sauce and the creamy melted mozzarella cheese. It's a dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's sure to become a new family favorite. So, let's get started and make some delicious baked ziti stuffed with meatballs!

One of the things I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time, and then assemble the dish just before baking. It's also a great way to use up any leftover pasta or meatballs you might have on hand. And, of course, you can always customize the recipe to your taste by adding your favorite herbs or spices.

As we cook our way through this recipe, I'll be sharing some of my favorite tips and tricks for making it extra special. From the importance of using high-quality ingredients to the secret to getting the perfect golden-brown crust on top, I'll be covering it all. So, let's get cooking and make some unforgettable baked ziti stuffed with meatballs!

Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It's easy to follow, and the steps are straightforward and simple. And, of course, the end result is well worth the effort: a delicious, satisfying dish that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great way to use up leftover pasta or meatballs.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
It's a classic Italian-American recipe that's sure to become a new family favorite.
The layers of flavor in the dish make it incredibly satisfying and delicious.
The recipe is versatile and can be customized to your taste.
It's a great way to get your family involved in the cooking process.

Why This Recipe Works

So, what makes this recipe so special? For starters, it's all about the layers of flavor. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, which gives them a rich, meaty flavor. The tomato sauce is made with canned crushed tomatoes, which are cooked down with some onion and garlic to create a deep, velvety sauce. And, of course, the melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, indulgent touch to the dish.

Another key element of this recipe is the cooking technique. By baking the ziti in the oven, we're able to get a nice golden-brown crust on top, which adds a satisfying crunch to the dish. And, by cooking the meatballs in the sauce, we're able to infuse them with all the flavors of the sauce, which makes them incredibly tender and juicy.

Finally, it's all about the balance of flavors. The acidity of the tomato sauce is balanced by the richness of the meatballs and the cheese, while the herbs and spices add a bright, fresh note to the dish. It's a perfect balance of flavors that's sure to please even the most discerning palate.

Overall, this recipe is a classic for a reason. It's a tried-and-true combination of flavors and techniques that's sure to become a new family favorite. So, let's get cooking and make some delicious baked ziti stuffed with meatballs!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now that we've talked about the recipe, let's take a look at the ingredients we'll need. We'll be using a combination of ground beef and pork for the meatballs, as well as some breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. For the sauce, we'll be using canned crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, and some herbs and spices. And, of course, we'll need some ziti pasta, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese to complete the dish.

When shopping for the ingredients, be sure to look for high-quality items that will add depth and flavor to the dish. For example, use fresh parsley and basil for the best flavor, and choose a good-quality mozzarella cheese that will melt well and add a creamy texture to the dish.

1 lb (450g) ground beefUse 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a combination of ground beef and pork for added flavor.
1/2 lb (225g) ground porkGround pork adds a richness and depth to the meatballs that's hard to beat. Use a good-quality ground pork that's not too lean.
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbsUse plain breadcrumbs for the best results. You can also use panko breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter texture.
1 eggThe egg helps to bind the meatballs together and adds moisture to the dish. Use a large egg for the best results.
1/4 cup (30g) grated parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs that's essential to the dish. Use a good-quality parmesan cheese that's freshly grated.
1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a bright, fresh flavor to the dish that's perfect for balancing out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic is a key ingredient in the sauce and adds a deep, rich flavor to the dish. Use fresh garlic for the best results.
1 can (28 oz/794g) crushed tomatoesCrushed tomatoes are the best choice for the sauce because they're already cooked down and have a deep, rich flavor. Look for a good-quality brand that's low in sodium and added sugars.
1 tsp (5g) dried oreganoDried oregano adds a pungent, earthy flavor to the sauce that's perfect for balancing out the acidity of the tomatoes.
1 tsp (5g) saltSalt is essential for bringing out the flavors in the dish and adding depth and complexity to the sauce. Use a good-quality salt that's freshly ground.
1/2 tsp (2g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, peppery flavor to the dish that's perfect for balancing out the richness of the meatballs and sauce.
1 cup (115g) grated mozzarella cheeseMozzarella cheese is the perfect choice for the dish because it melts well and adds a creamy texture to the sauce. Use a good-quality mozzarella cheese that's freshly grated.
1 lb (450g) ziti pastaZiti pasta is the perfect choice for the dish because it's tube-shaped and holds onto the sauce well. Use a good-quality pasta that's freshly cooked.

Ingredients for Baked Ziti Stuffed With Meatballs

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or sauté panMeatball scoop or small ice cream scoopWooden spoon or silicone spatulaLarge pot for boiling pastaColander or strainer9x13 inch baking dishInstant-read thermometer

How to Make Baked Ziti Stuffed With Meatballs

1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches (3.8 cm) in diameter. You should end up with around 20-25 meatballs.
4
Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a large heavy skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
5
In the same skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly and the flavors have melded together.
6
While the sauce is cooking, cook the ziti pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the ziti.
7
Add the cooked ziti pasta to the sauce and toss to combine, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
8
In a large 9x13 inch baking dish, create a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom. Arrange 1/2 of the ziti pasta on top of the sauce, followed by 1/2 of the meatballs.
9
Sprinkle with 1/2 of the mozzarella cheese and 1/4 of the parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers, starting with the sauce, then the remaining ziti pasta, the remaining meatballs, and finally the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. The internal temperature of the meatballs should be at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
12
Serve the baked ziti hot, garnished with additional parsley and parmesan cheese if desired.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overmix the meat mixture, or the meatballs will be tough.
Use a meatball scoop or small ice cream scoop to form the meatballs, for uniform size and shape.
Let the sauce simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors.
Reserve some pasta water to add to the sauce, in case it becomes too thick.
Let the dish rest for 10-15 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
Use a good-quality mozzarella cheese that melts well and adds a creamy texture to the sauce.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to add your own unique flavor to the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the meat mixture, which can make the meatballs tough.
Not cooking the sauce for long enough, which can result in a thin, watery sauce.
Not reserving enough pasta water, which can make the sauce too thick.
Not letting the dish rest for long enough, which can make the cheese too runny.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not cooking the meatballs to a safe internal temperature, which can be a food safety issue.

Variations and Substitutions

Adding other ingredients to the meat mixture, such as chopped onion or bell pepper, for added flavor.
Using different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, for a unique flavor.
Adding some spice to the sauce, such as red pepper flakes, for an extra kick.
Using different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, for a change of pace.
Adding some vegetables to the sauce, such as chopped spinach or mushrooms, for added nutrition.
Using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork, for a leaner option.
Making the dish in a slow cooker, for a hands-off, easy meal.

What to Serve With Baked Ziti Stuffed With Meatballs

Baked ziti stuffed with meatballs is a hearty, satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread, and you've got a meal that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Some other ideas for sides include roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or zucchini, or a side of garlic bread. You could also serve it with a side of sautéed spinach or a simple caprese salad. Whatever you choose, I'm sure you'll find that this dish is a crowd-pleaser!

Garlic breadGreen saladRoasted vegetablesSautéed spinachCaprese salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

If you're not planning to serve the baked ziti immediately, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat, simply thaw the dish overnight in the refrigerator, then bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese to become tough and rubbery.

It's also a good idea to make the sauce and meatballs ahead of time, then assemble the dish just before baking. This can save you time and effort, and ensure that the dish is hot and fresh when you serve it.

Finally, be sure to label and date any leftovers, and to consume them within a few days of storage. This will help to ensure that the dish remains safe to eat and that it retains its flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of meat should I use for the meatballs?

You can use a combination of ground beef and pork, or ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Whatever you choose, be sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

How long should I cook the sauce for?

The sauce should simmer for at least 10-15 minutes to develop the flavors and thicken the sauce. You can also let it cook for longer, if you prefer a thicker sauce.

Can I make the dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce and meatballs ahead of time, then assemble the dish just before baking. This can save you time and effort, and ensure that the dish is hot and fresh when you serve it.

How do I store leftovers?

Let the dish cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

Can I freeze the dish?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.

How do I reheat the dish?

What type of cheese should I use?

You can use mozzarella, parmesan, or a combination of both. Mozzarella melts well and adds a creamy texture to the sauce, while parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor.

Can I customize the recipe?

Yes, you can customize the recipe to your taste by adding different herbs and spices, or using different types of cheese or pasta.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card