Meatballs and Pasta Bake: A Comforting Family Favorite

Meatballs and Pasta Bake: A Comforting Family Favorite

There’s nothing quite like a hearty Meatballs and Pasta Bake to warm you up on a cold day or make any weeknight dinner feel extra special. With tender, flavorful meatballs, al dente pasta, and a gooey, cheesy topping, this dish is a delicious twist on classic spaghetti and meatballs, but with the added bonus of being baked to perfection.

This recipe is not only tasty but also incredibly versatile. You can make it your own by adjusting the ingredients based on your preferences, whether you want to switch up the pasta type or add extra veggies. Here’s how you can create your own Meatballs and Pasta Bake, step-by-step.

Meatballs and Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • Olive oil for cooking

For the Pasta Bake:

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta (or any pasta shape you prefer)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for creaminess)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

  1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the meatballs tough.
  2. Form the Meatballs: Use your hands to roll the meat mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter). You should end up with about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides. This will take about 5-6 minutes per batch. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 2: 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 the package instructions, making sure it’s al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce. If you’re using ricotta cheese, stir it in here as well for extra creaminess.
  3. Combine with Meatballs: Add the browned meatballs to the pasta and sauce mixture, gently stirring to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
  4. Layer the Bake: Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
  5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan. The cheese will melt and create a delicious golden, bubbly crust.
PREPARATION