Ingredients
– 16 oz. package uncooked ziti pasta (or penne noodles)
– 24 ounces marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup milk (can substitute additional water or broth)
– 2 cups water
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– Cooked meatballs, fully cooked and thawed (quantity based on preference)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or Italian blend cheese)
– Optional: Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped herbs such as basil, oregano, and parsley for garnish
Instructions
1-Getting started: Getting started with this meatball casserole is as easy as turning on your oven, and weβll walk you through it step by step. Begin by preheating your oven to ensure everything cooks evenly from the start. This method keeps the process straightforward so you can enjoy a homemade meal without much fuss.
2-First, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Then, in a 9Γ13 inch baking dish, stir together the uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, water, milk, spices, and meatballs for a complete mix. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes to let the flavors blend perfectly.
3-After that, uncover the dish, stir everything, and check if the pasta is al dente. If itβs still too firm, cover it again and bake a bit longer to get it just right. Next, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top and bake uncovered for 5 to 10 more minutes until itβs melted and bubbly.
4-Finally, let the casserole cool for at least 15 minutes before serving, which helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to dish out. This approach works well for all skill levels, and you can adjust based on what you have on hand.
Last Step:
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π³ To make a smaller batch, halve the recipe and bake in an 8-inch dish.
βοΈ Can be assembled the night before but not earlier to avoid mushy noodles.
π₯‘ For freezing: Prepare up to baking, cover with double foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw before baking or bake frozen covered longer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Contains Dairy and Meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 932 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
