There’s something incredibly comforting about a baked pasta dish loaded with cheese and rich marinara sauce. But why settle for ordinary when you can take it up a notch with homemade meatballs? This Meatball Baked Ziti brings together tender, flavorful meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and creamy burrata cheese, all baked into a bubbly, golden masterpiece.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for make-ahead meals. Serve it with crusty bread and a glass of wine for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Plus, this dish is freezer-friendly, making it a great choice for meal prep. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick – Easy-to-follow steps make this dish stress-free.
- Rich & Flavorful – The homemade meatballs and marinara sauce add a deep, savory taste.
- Perfect for Gatherings – Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
Ingredients Overview
The key to this dish is using quality ingredients for the best results.
- Ground beef & pork – A combination for juicy, flavorful meatballs. You can swap in turkey or chicken.
- Panko breadcrumbs – Helps keep the meatballs light and tender.
- Burrata cheese – Adds a creamy, rich texture. Mozzarella can be used as a substitute.
- Marinara sauce – Opt for a high-quality store-bought sauce or make your own.
- Pasta – Ziti is traditional, but penne or rigatoni work well, too.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ziti until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, Panko, egg yolks, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form into 1-inch meatballs, making about 24 meatballs.
Step 3: Cook the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning occasionally until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
Step 4: Add Marinara Sauce & Simmer
Pour in red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in marinara sauce and bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in cooked pasta, chopped basil, and parsley. Spread evenly into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Top with torn pieces of burrata cheese.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let the dish rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Recipe
- Prep ahead – Meatballs can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge or frozen for later use.
- Choose the right cheese – Burrata is creamy, but freshly grated mozzarella works too. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.
- Pair with wine – A dry red wine like cabernet sauvignon or merlot enhances the dish’s flavors.
- Serve with crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the rich marinara sauce.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick – Use hot Italian sausage instead of pork for extra heat.
- Veggie Option – Swap meatballs for roasted mushrooms or eggplant.
- Extra Cheesy – Add shredded parmesan or ricotta for an even creamier texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Penne or rigatoni work well since they hold sauce in their hollow centers.
2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will make a leaner meatball.
3. What is Panko?
Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that makes meatballs lighter and crispier. Find it in the Asian section of your grocery store.
4. How do I flash freeze meatballs?
Place uncooked meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour. Then, transfer to an airtight bag and store for up to 1 month.
5. Can I substitute mozzarella for burrata?
Yes! Freshly grated mozzarella melts well, but avoid buffalo mozzarella, which releases too much moisture.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- Reheat: Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 15-30 minutes until warmed through. Remove foil for the last few minutes to crisp up the cheese.
- Freeze Before Baking: Assemble without burrata, cover with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Freeze After Baking: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe bags, and freeze flat. Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F.
Conclusion
This Meatball Baked Ziti is the perfect combination of rich flavors, creamy cheese, and comforting baked pasta. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a special occasion, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Make sure to save this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Don’t forget to follow Ava Foodie on Pinterest for more delicious recipes.
