Description
This Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender baked meatballs, al dente pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for family dinners, this baked pasta combines savory flavors and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Pasta Bake
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prepare it for baking.
- Make the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until browned and fully cooked through.
- Cook the pasta: While the meatballs bake, cook the penne pasta following the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Assemble the pasta bake: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and garlic powder. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce and cheese. Gently fold in the baked meatballs to combine.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the pasta and meatball mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake to perfection: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the pasta bake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting cheesy meatball pasta bake!
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Make sure not to overwork the meat mixture to keep meatballs tender and juicy.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- You can prepare meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze before baking for meal prep.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
