Ingredients
16 oz uncooked ziti pasta
24 ounces marinara sauce
1 cup milk (or a substitute such as water or broth)
2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon salt
Fully cooked, thawed meatballs
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1-Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2-Mix the base: Combine uncooked ziti pasta, 24 ounces marinara sauce, 1 cup milk (or substitute), 2 cups water, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and fully cooked thawed meatballs in the dish. Stir well.
3-Cover and bake: Tightly cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 40 minutes.
4-Check and stir: Remove foil, stir gently. If pasta is firm, cover and bake a few more minutes until tender.
5-Add cheese: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella on top. Bake uncovered 5 to 10 minutes until melted and bubbly.
6-Rest and serve: Cool for at least 15 minutes. Sauce thickens nicely. Top with optional Parmesan and herbs.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧂 To make a smaller portion, halve the recipe and use an 8-inch baking dish.
🍲 Assemble the casserole no earlier than the night before to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
❄️ Freeze the unbaked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months for convenient meals later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking time: 50 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Contains dairy and meat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 335 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 932mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 25mg