Recipe: Meatball and Ziti Casserole

Meatball and Ziti Casserole

Ingredients:

1 (10 ounce) box ziti shells
1 (15 ounce) container low fat ricotta cheese
1 C low fat mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce with basil
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
1 lb. ground round or chuck
1/4 teaspoon minced onion
1/4 cup quick cooking oats
2 ounces egg substitute
1 tablespoon water
1/8 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

Cook the ziti according to package directions. Rinse with cool water and drain well. Place the meat in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle in 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder, the onion powder and the pepper. Add the oats. Place the egg substitute into the mixture followed by the water. Mix thoroughly with your hands. Form the meatballs by rolling small amounts in your hand to form a 2 inch ball. Spray a large skillet with a non stick cooking spray. Place the meatballs in the skillet. Brown until cooked completely through. Drain on paper towel. Set the oven temperature to 375 degrees. Place the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl. Mix together until completely combined. Place the tomato sauce in a bowl and sprinkle in 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. Stir well. Spread 1/4 of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Place half the ziti into the baking dish. Place half of the meatballs on top of the ziti.
Cover the top of the meatballs with dollops of the cheese mixture. Spread more tomato sauce and continue to layer like before. Be sure to use the last 1/4 of the tomato sauce on the top and leave enough of the cheese mixture to place a few dollops on the very top. Bake 50 minutes or until the cheese has browned slightly and the casserole is bubbly.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Values):

487 calories (22% calories from fat), 36 g protein, 12 g total fat (5.2 g saturated fat), 55 g carbohydrates, 4 g dietary fiber, 51 mg cholesterol and 925 mg sodium per serving.