No-Boil Baked Ziti With Bison Meatballs – Simmer + Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 recipe of my Simple Tomato Sauce or One (16-ounce) store-bought jar of low sugar tomato basil or marinara sauce
• 1 pound ground bison
• 1/4 pound ground pork
• 3/4 cup plain panko bread crumb
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 pound dried rigatoni pasta
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2-3 cups cold water
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, for garnish