Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible cheesy meatball pasta bake that combines hearty Italian-inspired flavors with creamy, melted goodness. Perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in al dente pasta create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large egg
Cheeses:
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (200 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
- 24 ounces (680 grams) marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach or bell peppers
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for a comforting pasta bake.
- Combine meatball ingredients in a mixing bowl, gently forming uniform round spheres about golf ball size.
- Place skillet over medium-high heat, carefully brown meatballs on all surfaces until exterior develops rich golden color, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Boil pasta in salted water, cooking slightly under recommended package time to maintain slight firmness.
- Blend cooked pasta with marinara sauce and Parmesan, ensuring even sauce distribution.
- Spread thin marinara layer across 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Create first layer with pasta mixture, positioning half the prepared meatballs across surface.
- Generously scatter mozzarella and cheddar cheese, covering entire pasta and meatball layer.
- Repeat layering process with remaining pasta, meatballs, and additional cheese topping.
- Shield dish with aluminum foil, bake for 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove foil, continue baking 10-15 minutes until cheese transforms into bubbling, golden crust.
- Optional intense cheese crisp: broil 2-3 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow dish to rest 5-10 minutes, permitting ingredients to settle before serving.
Notes
- Customize meatballs by swapping ground beef with turkey or plant-based alternatives for a lighter protein option.
- Enhance flavor depth by adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano directly into the meat mixture for an aromatic boost.
- Control sodium intake by using low-sodium marinara sauce and reducing added salt in the recipe.
- Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by slightly undercooking before baking, allowing it to absorb sauce and finish cooking in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg