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Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

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Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, rich tomato sauce, and a gooey layer of melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s sure to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or a special occasion, this cheesy pasta bake will become a go-to favorite. The combination of savory meatballs and creamy cheese in every bite makes this dish irresistible!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Pasta Bake:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni work well)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs:

  1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Pasta:

  1. Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Pasta Bake:

  1. Combine Pasta and Marinara Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
  2. Add the Meatballs: Gently fold in the browned meatballs, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  3. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the pasta and meatball mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and meatballs.
  5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the pasta bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish: Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and added flavor.
  2. Serve: Let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/cheesy-meatball-pasta-bake-recipe/