Description
This Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting and delicious casserole perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender homemade meatballs baked to perfection and mixed with perfectly cooked penne pasta coated in a flavorful marinara sauce, it’s all topped with a melty blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Easy to prepare and full of rich Italian-inspired flavors, this baked pasta dish is sure to become a household favorite.
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 the baking dish)
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 prevent sticking and help the bake cook evenly.
- Make the meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough meatballs. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until they are browned on the outside and fully cooked through.
- Cook the pasta: While the meatballs bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to cool slightly.
- Assemble the pasta bake: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, dried basil, and garlic powder. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta with the sauce and cheese. Gently fold in the baked meatballs to distribute them throughout the mixture.
- Prepare for baking: Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake to perfection: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown on top, creating an inviting, flavorful crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the pasta bake cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, cheesy meal!
Notes
- For a lighter version, use ground turkey instead of beef and reduce the amount of cheese.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the pasta mixture for added nutrition.
- Make sure not to overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Using freshly grated Parmesan will give the best flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
