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Meatball and Ziti Bake
This is a wonderful cheesy pasta that will satisfy your whole family.
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Prep Time
20
minutes
mins
Cook Time
25
minutes
mins
Course
Main Course
Servings
4
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.