Delicious Baked Ziti with Homemade Turkey Meatballs

Enjoy a comforting and satisfying meal with this tasty recipe for Baked Ziti with Turkey Meatballs. The dish features tender turkey meatballs seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, combined with al dente ziti pasta and a rich tomato sauce. Baked to perfection with a layer of melted cheese on top, this classic Italian-American dish will surely become a family favorite. Serve it warm and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family.

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs:
• - 1 pound ground turkey
• - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• - 1 teaspoon dried basil
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• - 1 egg, beaten
• - 1/4 cup milk
• For the Sauce:
• - 2 tablespoons olive oil
• - 1 onion, chopped
• - 2 cloves garlic, minced
• - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• - 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• - 1 teaspoon dried basil
• - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• - 1/2 teaspoon salt
• - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• - 1/4 teaspoon sugar
• For the Ziti:
• - 1 pound ziti pasta
• - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, beaten egg, and milk. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
5. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they are softened and fragrant.
6. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
7. Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
8. In the greased baking dish, spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce on the bottom. Arrange the cooked ziti pasta over the sauce, followed by a layer of meatballs. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well-covered.
9. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the dish.
10. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and let it cool slightly before serving.
12. Enjoy this scrumptious Baked Ziti with Turkey Meatballs with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

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