Meatball Pasta Casserole

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4.7 from 60 votes

The Meatball Pasta Casserole combines homemade beef and pork sausage meatballs with tender cooked ziti, simmered tomato sauce, fresh herbs, and two types of mozzarella for a layered baked dish. The meatballs are seasoned and browned before being mixed with pasta, a flavorful tomato blend, and fresh parsley and basil. Cubed and pearl mozzarella add creaminess and melted texture throughout.

Prep Time

25 mins

Cook Time

1 hr 15 mins

Total Time

1 hr 40 mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 722 kcal

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
½ cup yellow onion finely minced
2 garlic minced, medium cloves
1 pound ground beef lean
½ pound Italian pork sausage bulk
1 egg lightly beaten, large
¼ cup bread crumbs
1 teaspoon kosher salt Morton brand
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Ziti and Sauce

12 ounces ziti pasta
1 can crushed tomatoes Red Gold®, 28 ounces
1 can diced tomatoes Red Gold®, petite, 14.5 ounces
1 tablespoon Italian herb mix dried
½ teaspoon kosher salt Morton brand
½ teaspoon black pepper
⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons Italian parsley chopped, fresh
3 tablespoons basil chopped, fresh
12 ounces mozzarella block, cut into ½" cubes
8 ounces mozzarella fresh pearls (small balls

Instructions

Cup of Yum

In a large skillet with tall sides, over medium to medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter. Add onion and saute, stirring regularly. After 5 minutes, stir in garlic. Saute for another 3 minutes, stirring regularly, until onion is completely soft and translucent. Transfer onion and garlic to a plate and spread out to cool.
To a large bowl, add beef, pork, and egg. Sprinkle bread crumbs, salt, and black pepper evenly over the top, followed by the cooled onion and garlic. Mix to combine evenly with your hands. You could also use a wooden spoon or stand mixer, but I prefer using my hands for the most evenly combined mixture.
Using a 1-1/2 tablespoon measure (I like to use a 1-1/2 tablespoon scoop), portion meat mixture, roll into balls, and then transfer to a rimmed baking sheet.
Place the same large skillet (no need to wash it) over medium heat. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Once butter is melted, swirl it around to coat the bottom of the skillet. Add meatballs. Brown meatballs on all sides, and cook for about 20 minutes total. Transfer meatballs to a platter or sheet pan.
Preheat oven to 350°F. While meatballs are browning, cook ziti in a pot of salted boiling water, until just barely al dente. Drain and set aside.
Place same large skillet over medium heat (do not wash it). Add crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes, and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and stir them into the tomatoes. Stir in Italian herb mix, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer. Fold meatballs into tomatoes and let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring a couple times. Stir in chopped parsley and basil, and then remove skillet from heat. Fold in drained ziti.
Transfer half of ziti/meatball mixture to a large baking dish. Spread block mozzarella pieces over the top. Add remaining ziti/meatball mixture, spreading it out evenly. Top with mozzarella pearls. Cover dish loosely with foil (do not press foil onto the ziti/meatball mixture) and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbling nicely. Remove the foil and bake for another 5 minutes or so. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top if desired. Serve hot.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1 Calories 722kcal (36%) Carbohydrates 21g (7%) Protein 54g (108%) Fat 46g (71%) Saturated Fat 23g (115%) Polyunsaturated Fat 21g (124%) Cholesterol 209mg (70%) Sodium 1756mg (73%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 6g (12%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 722

% Daily Value*

Serving	1
Calories	722kcal	36%
Carbohydrates	21g	7%
Protein	54g	108%
Fat	46g	71%
Saturated Fat	23g	115%
Polyunsaturated Fat	21g	124%
Cholesterol	209mg	70%
Sodium	1756mg	73%
Fiber	3g	12%
Sugar	6g	12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.