Delicious recipes from the kitchens of the Butler sisters

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Cheesy Italian Meatball Casserole

This is one of the fastest, easiest, most delicious pasta dishes ever!
Ingredients:
16 oz. dried ziti or penne pasta
1 26-oz. jar tomato pasta sauce
1 16-oz. package frozen cooked meatballs(32), thawed
1 15-oz. can Italian-style tomato sauce
1 15-oz. carton ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese(8 oz.)

Directions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Return to pan. Stir in pasta sauce, meatballs, and tomato sauce. Transfer to an ungreased 13x9 in. glass baking dish or 3-quart rectangular casserole. Bake, covered, in a 350 degree oven for 30 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl combine ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese. Uncover pasta mixture and spoon ricotta mixture in mounds over pasta mixture. Cover loosely; bake about 10 minutes more or until heated through. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes more. Makes 8-10 servings.
It tastes GREAT reheated!