{"id":"e5fae21a-bd5d-41d4-ae4d-672ea394facd","url":"https://recipestripper.com/recipes/e5fae21a-bd5d-41d4-ae4d-672ea394facd","source_url":"https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/recipes/a36144/meatball-spinach-baked-ziti-recipe/","title":"Meatball-and-Spinach Baked Ziti","description":"Loaded with cheese, pasta, and tender meatballs, this bake guarantees that every plate will be wiped clean.","servings":4,"servings_text":"4 - 6","prep_time":"PT25M","cook_time":"PT0S","total_time":"PT1H","ingredients":[{"text":"Cooking spray, for baking dish","item":"Cooking spray, for baking dish"},{"text":"2 c. ziti","item":"ziti","quantity":2,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"Kosher salt","item":"Kosher salt"},{"text":"Freshly ground black pepper","item":"Freshly ground black pepper"},{"text":"1 lb. ground round","item":"ground round","quantity":1,"unit":"lb"},{"text":"1/2 small onion, chopped","item":"small onion","quantity":0.5,"preparation":"chopped"},{"text":"1/4 c. panko breadcrumbs","item":"panko breadcrumbs","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"2 garlic cloves, chopped","item":"garlic cloves","quantity":2,"preparation":"chopped"},{"text":"1 large egg","item":"large egg","quantity":1},{"text":"1 tbsp. canola oil","item":"canola oil","quantity":1,"unit":"tbsp"},{"text":"1/4 c. dry red wine","item":"dry red wine","quantity":0.25,"unit":"cup"},{"text":"1 (24 oz.) jar marinara","item":"marinara","quantity":1,"unit":"jar","metric_alternate":{"quantity":24,"unit":"oz"}},{"text":"2 bunches flat-leaf spinach, stems discarded and leaves torn (about 4 c.)","item":"flat-leaf spinach, stems discarded and leaves torn","quantity":2,"unit":"bunch","preparation":"about 4 c."},{"text":"3 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, plus more for garnish","item":"chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp","preparation":"plus more for garnish"},{"text":"3 tbsp. chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish","item":"chopped fresh basil","quantity":3,"unit":"tbsp","preparation":"plus more for garnish"},{"text":"8 oz. bocconcini (small fresh mozzarella balls)","item":"bocconcini","quantity":8,"unit":"oz","preparation":"small fresh mozzarella balls"}],"instructions":[{"number":1,"text":"Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish."},{"number":2,"text":"Cook 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."},{"number":3,"text":"Heat 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."},{"number":4,"text":"Transfer mixture to prepared pan; top with cheese. Bake until cheese is melted and edges are bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes."},{"number":5,"text":"Let stand 10 minutes  before serving. Garnish with parsley and basil."}],"date_published":"2026-10-30T10:35:26.769691+00:00","date_modified":"2026-10-30T10:35:26.769691+00:00"}