Introduction:
A hearty and comforting meal that brings together the flavors of savory meatballs, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce, a Meatballs and Pasta Bake is a perfect dish for family dinners or casual gatherings.
The combination of ground beef and pork in the meatballs provides a deliciously juicy and flavorful bite, while the cheese and pasta meld together into a warm, cheesy delight.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to serve at a gathering, this pasta bake is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef
1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (or use all beef if
preferred)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
3 cups macaroni or other small pasta
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Start by preparing the meatballs. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (or all beef), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
Mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
Once the meatball mixture is ready, form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Arrange the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking pan.
Bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
Add in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is evenly distributed.
Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and add them to the pasta mixture. Gently stir to combine the meatballs with the pasta and sauce.
Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
. Place the baking dish back in the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy this cozy, cheesy bake!
How to Make: Making a Meatballs and Pasta Bake is simple and enjoyable, starting with preparing your meatballs.
Mix together your meats, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to form the meatballs. It’s best to handle the mixture gently so the meatballs remain tender after baking.
When baking the meatballs, make sure to line the pan with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Baking the meatballs at 375°F ensures they cook through while becoming golden on the outside. This step can be done while the pasta is cooking, saving you time.
Once the meatballs are cooked, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce and a good amount of cheese, making sure the pasta is completely coated.
The pasta and sauce will absorb some of the flavor from the meatballs when combined. Layering the dish with cheese before baking it ensures a wonderfully melted, golden topping.
Bake everything together in one dish for a quick and easy meal that doesn’t require a lot of hands-on time.
When it comes out of the oven, the aroma of the meatballs, sauce, and cheese will make your kitchen smell amazing!
If you like a bit of crunch, consider adding a topping of breadcrumbs before baking the dish in the oven. This adds a pleasant texture contrast to the creamy, cheesy elements of the bake.
To ensure the best results, use a good marinara sauce. If you have time, homemade marinara sauce can take this dish to the next level.
Otherwise, choose a high-quality store-bought sauce that suits your taste.
For a little extra flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce, giving the dish a bit of a spicy kick.
Tips: Make sure to season your meatball mixture well. The combination of garlic, oregano, and basil brings out rich Italian flavors that complement the pasta perfectly.
To make this dish even more flavorful, you can sauté the garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the meatballs for a deeper flavor profile.
This will add a slight sweetness and richness to the garlic.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken in place of the beef and pork. You may also want to switch to whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
For a creamier version, mix in a bit of ricotta cheese or cream cheese with the marinara sauce before tossing it with the pasta.
This creates a rich, creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the meatballs.
If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, try using provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor. Each type of cheese will give a unique twist to the bake.
Consider adding vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the pasta and sauce. These veggies not only enhance the flavor but also add nutritional value to the dish.
This meal can be made ahead of time. Prepare the meatballs, pasta, and sauce, then assemble the dish and refrigerate.
it until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes of baking time if it’s been refrigerated.
Conclusion:
A Meatballs and Pasta Bake is a perfect dish for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying a cozy night in.
With its satisfying combination of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or customize it with your own additions, this bake is easy to prepare and guarantees a comforting meal that everyone will love.