Introduction
This Meatball Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich tomato sauce topped with melted cheese.
Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this casserole is simple to prepare and a guaranteed family favorite.
Serve it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce:
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup water or chicken broth
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but undercook it by 2 minutes since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, water or broth, and Italian seasoning.
Pour the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the meatballs evenly on top of the pasta.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
Step 4: Bake
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve
Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with additional parsley if desired and serve with a side of garlic bread or salad.
Conclusion
This Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together the savory goodness of meatballs and pasta with gooey, melted cheese.
Easy to prepare and perfect for leftovers, it’s a versatile dish that everyone will love.
Make it part of your weeknight rotation or save it for a special occasion—it’s sure to become a household favorite!