Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3/4 cup grated Romano
- 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- All-purpose flour, for dredging
- 1 pound ziti
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 5 cups tomato sauce
- 3 cups whole milk ricotta
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the Romano and the parsley, and mix well. Season with salt and pepper. Add beef and gently combine, being careful not to overwork the meat. Shape into bite-size meatballs. Roll each meatball in flour to coat, shaking off excess.
In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside. If not using immediately, cover top with plastic wrap so that pasta does not dry out. Do not rinse pasta with water since you want to retain the pasta's natural starches so that the sauce will cling to the ziti.
In a large skillet heat the oil over medium-high heat. When almost smoking, add meatballs in batches and without moving or turning the meat, allow it to brown for about 3 minutes. Turn meatballs and brown other side. Continue to cook until all sides are golden brown. Remove meatballs to a plate.
In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce and ricotta and mix well. Add the cooked ziti and meatballs and toss gently.
In a large greased baking dish, pour in pasta mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella, Parmesan, and remaining Romano all over the top. Dot with the butter. Place baking dish on top of baking sheet covered with aluminum foil to collect any drippings from the dish. Bake until top is golden brown and bubbly, about 30 to 40 minutes.


















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By blackbirdtx
Brooklyn, NY
on February 06, 2012
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I've made this recipe time and time again with and without meatballs, while using my own concoction of tomato sauce (San Marzano crushed tomatoes, garlic, seasonings, etc.. I also use fresh mozzerella. It's always a hit and people call it my specialty dish!
By Lois Bx
on January 30, 2012
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This is the second time I prepared this dish. It has a delicious creamy texture. The first time I made it without the meatballs. The second time, I made it with the meatballs, and it was out of this world. If you are looking for the perfect ziti dish. Look no further. This is the one.
By ELD405
New York
on January 05, 2012
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A wonderful comfort food recipe. I decided to make this on a cold January day and a perfect way to spend an evening. A really enjoyable meal. I'd never have thought to use meatballs but they really add a definite slant and do not disappoint. The recipe produces a bounty so be prepared to make this for a large crowd or know you can freeze some for a later date. Haven't tried freezing but I'm sure it shouldn't be a problem. The recipe is easy to follow and the results better than expected. I'll definitely prepare this again.
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