Cheesy Baked Ziti with Meatballs: Because We Deserve Nice Things
Let’s talk about comfort food. Some people go for a cozy blanket, a therapy session, or a nap that lasts way too long. But me? I go for baked pasta—specifically, this Cheesy Baked Ziti with Meatballs, which is basically a hug in food form.
If you’ve ever wondered, “Can I elevate my pasta game without exerting excessive effort?”—the answer is YES. And this is the recipe to prove it. It’s got tender, juicy meatballs, rich, velvety marinara, and gooey, melty cheese all baked together into pure, carb-loaded bliss. So, let’s get into it.
The Secret to Juicy Meatballs
Listen, if you’re out here making dry meatballs, I’m officially worried about you. The secret? Breadcrumbs soaked in milk (a.k.a. a panade if we’re being fancy). It locks in moisture, making sure your meatballs stay soft and dreamy instead of turning into bouncy rubber balls.
Here’s the rundown for the perfect meatballs:
✔️ A mix of breadcrumbs + milk (moisture magic)
✔️ Parmesan (because duh)
✔️ Garlic, onion powder, and dried parsley (flavor town)
✔️ A whole egg (for structure, not just vibes)
✔️ Salt and pepper (because seasoning is a love language)
Roll them up, give them a quick sear, then set them aside while we work on the sauce.
Marinara, but Make It Fancy
I get it, you could just grab a jar of sauce and call it a day, but why settle when homemade is low-key easy and tastes 1000% better?
🌟 Shallots + Spices – Gives the sauce that deep, slow-cooked flavor in way less time.
🍷 Red Wine – Because we’re classy. (And it makes the sauce taste chef’s kiss).
🍅 Tomato Paste + Crushed Tomatoes – The dynamic duo of any good marinara.
💡 Brown Sugar – Just a little bit to balance out the acidity.
Simmer it all together, season it up, and BOOM—you’ve got yourself a sauce that’ll make your ancestors proud.
Baked Ziti, But Make It Extra
Now, we’re bringing everything together.
1️⃣ Cook your rigatoni (yes, I know, it’s technically not ziti, but trust me, rigatoni holds the sauce better).
2️⃣ Toss it in that glorious homemade meat sauce.
3️⃣ Add those juicy meatballs back into the mix.
4️⃣ Top with Burrata (because we are not here to play).
5️⃣ Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until everything is bubbling and irresistible.
Final Thoughts (a.k.a. Why You Need to Make This ASAP)
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations—you’re officially part of the good pasta choices club. This Cheesy Baked Ziti with Meatballs is:
✔️ Cozy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying
✔️ Easy enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough for a dinner party
✔️ The kind of meal that makes people think you have your life together
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a fork, call your friends, and dig in. Because carbs and cheese are always the right answer. 💛🍝
Cheesy Baked Ziti with Meatballs
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1/4 1/4 C Italian breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp + 2 tsp whole milk
- 1 LB Ground beef
- 1 Egg
- 2 Cloves Garlic
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 C 2 Tbsp parmesan cheese
- Salt + pepper to taste
For the marinara:
- 2 Shallots finely diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced
- 2 t Dried Oregano
- 2 t Dried Thyme leaves
- 1 6 oz can tomato paste
- 1/3 C dry red wine
- 1 28 oz can San Marzano whole peeled tomatoes
- 1 T Brown Sugar
- kosher salt and black pepper
For the Pasta Bake:
- 1 LB Ziti
- 8 oz burrata cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Make the Meatballs:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and milk until a paste forms. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Add the egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, parsley, Parmesan, and black pepper to the bowl and mix.
- Gently mix in the ground beef with your hands until just combined—don’t overwork the meat. Form 2 ½ tbsp-sized meatballs.
2️⃣ Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat a large dutch oven over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Marinara Sauce:
- In the same skillet, sauté the shallots and spices over medium heat until soft.
- Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until deep red.
- Deglaze with red wine, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add the tomatoes (crush them up with your spoon), brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir and let simmer for 10 minutes.
4️⃣ Assemble & Bake:
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Toss the pasta in the marinara sauce and add the meatballs back in.
- Top with burrata.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, until bubbling.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm. Enjoy! 🍝✨
