Mediterranean Diet Baked Ziti with Meatballs
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Mediterranean Diet Baked Ziti with Meatballs, a wholesome spin on comfort food classics. Made with whole grain ziti, lean ground turkey meatballs, and a vibrant tomato-based sauce, this dish is packed with fresh spinach, aromatic herbs, and heart-healthy olive oil for Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Topped with melted mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, every bite is indulgent yet balanced. Perfect for family gatherings or meal prep, this baked masterpiece is easy to prepare and delivers a satisfying mix of creamy, cheesy goodness and nutrient-rich ingredients. Serve with a crisp green salad for a complete Mediterranean-style feast! Keywords: Mediterranean diet dinner recipe, baked ziti with turkey meatballs, healthy comfort food recipes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole grain ziti pasta
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, egg, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well.
Form the turkey mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. You should get approximately 20 meatballs.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove meatballs and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Add fresh spinach, crushed red pepper flakes, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until spinach is wilted, about 3 minutes.
Add the browned meatballs and cooked ziti to the tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3280 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 136.4 g | 175% | |
| Saturated Fat | 43.2 g | 216% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 684 mg | 228% | |
| Sodium | 5459 mg | 237% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 337.0 g | 123% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 55.8 g | 199% | |
| Total Sugars | 51.4 g | ||
| Protein | 206.3 g | 413% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 2035 mg | 157% | |
| Iron | 31.1 mg | 173% | |
| Potassium | 4949 mg | 105% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
