By popular request. Here is the new recipe I tried at Christmas and I gotta say, it is really good comfort food and kid-friendly!

Baked Ziti with Meatballs

This is so easy!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Yield:8-10 servings

1/2 cup plain Italian bread crumbs (has herbs and romano cheese)
3 large eggs, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons milk
3/4 cup grated Parmigiano or Romano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork

1 pound box ziti or penne
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
5 cups tomato sauce (either homemade marinara, or good quality store bought tomato basil 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

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large bowl, combine bread crumbs, eggs, milk, 1/2 cup of the Romano, 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.

In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until a little harder than al dente, about 3 minutes less than the package suggests. This is because the pasta will continue to cook in the oven and absorb moisture from the sauce, so don't worry if the sauce looks a little 'wet'. 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 and Parmesan 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.