Description
There’s something irresistible about a hearty, cheesy dish like this Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake. It’s comfort food at its finest, combining tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a blanket of melted cheese. This dish is perfect for a family dinner, potluck, or just to indulge your cravings. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time!
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Ingredients
Scale
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef or chicken
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Pasta Bake:
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works great)
- 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for added creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides (they don’t need to cook through, as they will finish in the oven). Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In the baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the remaining marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the pasta mixture to the baking dish, then nestle the meatballs on top.
- Dollop ricotta cheese (if using) around the dish, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Step 5: Bake
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves, slice, and serve warm!
Notes
- Customize the Cheese: Swap mozzarella with cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.
- Prep Ahead: Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American