Name: The Perfect Meatballs And Ziti Bake
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 6 ounces uncooked whole-wheat ziti; 1/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs); 2 tablespoons minced garlic (divided); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (divided); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 12 ounces 90% lean ground sirloin; 1 large egg; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (divided); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 1 can unsalted crushed tomatoes ((28-ounce )); 2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese (shredded (about 1/2 cup))

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This is a new Meatballs and Ziti Bake recipe that I want to share with you. I often need some carb heavy recipes that are healthy, especially when I need to go running. This one went over pretty well for the entire family. It is a delicious and healthy pasta recipe. A total comfort food for a crowd.

The Perfect Meatballs And Ziti Bake

Elenor Craig

This Meatballs and Ziti Bake is a delicious and healthy pasta recipe. A total comfort food for a crowd.

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Prep Time 5 mins

Cook Time 45 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings people

Calories 971 kcal

Ingredients

6 ounces uncooked whole-wheat ziti
⅓ cup panko Japanese breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons minced garlic divided
½ teaspoon kosher salt divided
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces 90% lean ground sirloin
1 large egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup chopped fresh basil divided
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 can unsalted crushed tomatoes (28-ounce )
2 ounces part-skim mozzarella cheese shredded (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

Preheat the broiler to a high.
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl; reserve 1/2 cup cooking liquid.
Place panko, 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-inch) meatballs.
Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil; swirl to coat. Add meatballs to pan; cook for 5 minutes, turning to brown on all sides. Add remaining 1 tablespoon garlic; cook for 30 seconds. Add reserved 1/2 cup cooking liquid, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons basil, crushed red pepper, and tomatoes to the pan. Reduce heat to medium; cover and simmer for 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.

Notes

Like I said, this was pretty well liked by the family. The only tweak I would make is using half the amount of crushed red pepper or using none at all. It is a bit spicy for the kids.

Nutrition

Calories: 971kcalCarbohydrates: 90gProtein: 58gFat: 42gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 227mgSodium: 1264mgPotassium: 1426mgFiber: 8gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1022IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 390mgIron: 9mg

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