Print

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender meatballs, al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and a generous amount of gooey melted cheese. It’s the perfect blend of savory flavors and satisfying textures, making it a family favorite for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. The best part? It’s easy to make and can be assembled in advance, making dinner time stress-free. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a delicious, filling meal, this pasta bake is sure to hit the spot.

Ingredients

Scale

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake:

  • For the Meatballs:
    • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
    • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1 large egg
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/4 cup olive oil (for frying)
  • For the Pasta Bake:
    • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)
    • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
    • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
    • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
    • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

  1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix gently until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook, turning occasionally, for 7-10 minutes or until they’re browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

  1. Boil the Pasta: While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Assemble the Pasta Bake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce until well coated.
  3. Layer the Pasta and Meatballs: In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture on the bottom. Top with half of the meatballs, then sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese.
  4. Add the Remaining Pasta and Meatballs: Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, followed by the remaining meatballs. Top with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano if desired.
  5. Bake the Dish: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve hot.

Nutrition

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