Meatball-and-Spinach Baked Ziti

Name: Meatball-and-Spinach Baked Ziti
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 - 6
Ingredients: Cooking spray, for baking dish; 2 c. ziti; Kosher salt; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 lb. ground round; 1/2 small onion, chopped; 1/4 c. panko breadcrumbs; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 1 large egg; 1 tbsp. canola oil; 1/4 c. dry red wine; 1 (24 oz.) jar marinara; 2 bunches flat-leaf spinach, stems discarded and leaves torn (about 4 c.); 3 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish; 3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish; 8 oz. bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls)

By Marian Cooper CairnsPublished: Aug 17, 2015

4 Ratings

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Brian Woodcock

Yields:

4 - 6

Prep Time:

25 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Loaded with cheese, pasta, and tender meatballs, this bake guarantees that every plate will be wiped clean.

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Ingredients

Cooking spray, for baking dish
2 cups ziti
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. ground round
1/2 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 large egg
1 Tbsp. canola oil
1/4 cup dry red wine
1 (24 oz.) jar marinara
2 bunches flat-leaf spinach, stems discarded and leaves torn (about 4 c.)
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish
3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
8 oz. bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls)

Directions

1. Step 1Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
2. Step 2Cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Gently combine ground round, onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl; shape into 16 meatballs.
3. Step 3Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until brown on all sides, 6 to 8 minutes. Stir in wine, gently scraping up brown bits from the bottom of the skillet. Stir in marinara, spinach, parsley, and basil; bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and fold in pasta.
4. Step 4Transfer mixture to prepared pan; top with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes.
5. Step 5Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley and basil.