Baked Ziti with Turkey Meatballs

1 . Stage

In a bowl, stir together turkey, garlic, bread crumbs, onion, pine nuts, parsley, egg, salt and pepper. Form into meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.

2 . Stage

In a large heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Cook half of meatballs, shaking skillet, until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes. Transfer meatballs to paper towels to drain. Brown remaining meatballs in remaining 2 tablespoons oil in same manner.

3 . Stage

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Oil a 3 to 4 quart gratin dish.

4 . Stage

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.

5 . Stage

In a small bowl, toss together mozzarella and Romano cheese.

6 . Stage

Spoon about 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce and half the meatballs into prepared dish, and spoon half the pasta on top. Spread half remaining sauce and half cheese mixture over pasta. Top with remaining meatballs, and drop dollops of ricotta over meatballs. Spread remaining pasta over ricotta, and top with remaining sauce and cheese mixture. Bake in middle of oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.