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baked ziti 1-2-3

(2 ratings)
frenchtutor avatar
Recipe by
Susan Feliciano
@frenchtutor
Oak Ridge, TN

This is so easy, and quick to put together. But be sure to allow an hour total for it to be ready to serve. You can also bake garlic bread in the oven with it, and prepare a green salad, and your meal is done! Be sure to have some Italian Gelato on hand for dessert. For a gluten-free version, use gluten free pasta, and meatballs made with GF breadcrumbs or oats.

(2 ratings)
yield 4 -6
prep time 10 Min
cook time 1 Hr
method Bake

Ingredients For baked ziti 1-2-3

  • 6 oz
    uncooked ziti pasta
  • any type of pasta works- you may use gluten-free brands!
  • 2
    6-ounce cans v-8 juice
  • 1 c
    ricotta cheese (optional)
  • 1 lb
    frozen or homemade meatballs
  • 1-2 tsp
    mixed italian herbs (optional)
  • 1 jar
    favorite spaghetti sauce
  • 1 c
    shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 c
    grated parmesan cheese

How To Make baked ziti 1-2-3

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 375°. Place the uncooked pasta in the bottom of a 2½ or 3 quart casserole. Pour V-8 juice over top of the pasta, making sure it covers most of the pasta. (Spoon the ricotta cheese, if using, evenly over the pasta.)
  • 2
    Arrange the meatballs over the pasta, and sprinkle with Italian herbs if desired. I use a blend by Pampered Chef, but any mixture of oregano, thyme, basil, and parsley will work. Pour the spaghetti sauce evenly over the meatballs and cover the casserole dish tightly with foil.
  • 3
    Bake about 40-45 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Uncover casserole and top with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Return to oven uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until cheeses are melted and very lightly browned. Karen Workman adds this Crockpot variation: I prepared this in the Crockpot...left in on high for about 2 hours, then put it under the broiler for about 10 minutes to brown the cheese. It worked perfectly and was very yummy!
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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