Meatball and Ziti Bake
This is a wonderful cheesy pasta that will satisfy your whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 pkg. whole-wheat Ziti noodles uncooked
- ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic divided
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 12 oz. 90% lean ground sirloin
- 1 egg
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil divided
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 28oz. can unsalted crushed tomatoes
- 2 oz. part-skim mozzarella shredded
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat.
- Drain in a colander over a bowl; reserve ½ cup cooking liquid.
- Place panko breadcrumbs, 1 Tablespoon garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, beef, and egg in a bowl, stirring just until combined.
- Shape beef mixture into 12-1" meatballs.
- Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil; swirl to coat.
- Add meatballs to pan and cook 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides.
- Add remaining 1 Tablespoon garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Add reserved ½ cup cooking liquid, remaining ¼ teaspoon salt, 3 Tablespoons basil, crushed red pepper, and tomatoes to pan.
- Reduce heat to medium, cover and simmer 15 minutes.
- Stir pasta into tomato mixture, spread evenly in skillet.
- Sprinkle cheese over top; broil 1 minute or until cheese melts.
- Sprinkle with remaining 1 Tablespoon basil. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Recipe from Cooking Light Magazine.