A hearty and flavorful Italian-inspired casserole dish featuring tender meatballs, ziti pasta, and a rich tomato sauce topped with gooey melted cheese.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking and the right texture for your dish.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
In a 9x13 casserole dish, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chopped onion, minced garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Mixing the sauce directly in the casserole dish saves on cleanup time.
Add the cooked pasta to the casserole dish and stir to coat evenly with the sauce.
Ensure all pasta is coated with sauce for even flavor distribution.
Place the meatballs on top of the pasta and gently press them into the sauce.
Position the meatballs evenly for consistent cooking and presentation.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Removing the foil allows the cheese to brown slightly for a more appealing look.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Italian Meatball Pasta Bake!
Allowing the dish to rest helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.
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