Name: Meatball Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1/2 cup bread crumbs; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk; 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil; 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti); 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together everything you love about pasta night in one pan: savory meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, flavorful tomato sauce, and plenty of cheese. It’s simple, satisfying, and great for leftovers. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole-style meal is always a hit.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
Bread crumbs
Eggs
Milk
Parmesan cheese, grated
Garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Olive oil
Pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
Marinara sauce
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
Form mixture into small meatballs, about 1 ½ inches each.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
Add marinara sauce to the pasta and stir to coat evenly.
Transfer half of the sauced pasta to the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the meatballs and half of the mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, meatballs, and cheese.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and baking takes 30 minutes, for a total time of around 50 minutes.

Variations

Cheesy Upgrade: Mix ricotta or cream cheese into the pasta for a creamier bake.
Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or spicy Italian sausage to the meatball mixture.
Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
Different Meats: Try ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of pork and veal for variety.
White Sauce Version: Replace marinara with a creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich and decadent option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, covered with foil. For freezing, let the pasta bake cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, pre-cooked frozen meatballs work great—just thaw and heat them before adding to the dish.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are ideal because they hold sauce and bake well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I freeze Meatball Pasta Bake before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble it, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen, adding about 15 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can mix in bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.

What cheese works best for topping?

Mozzarella is classic, but a blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and provolone adds great flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and bread crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Cook the pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven.

What should I serve with Meatball Pasta Bake?

Pair it with a side salad and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

Yes, homemade sauce gives the dish an even richer flavor—just make sure it’s thick enough to coat the pasta.

Conclusion

Meatball Pasta Bake is a warm, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing dish that combines all your favorite Italian comfort food elements in one pan. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for both weeknights and gatherings. With its layers of pasta, sauce, and melty cheese, every bite is pure comfort.

Meatball Pasta Bake

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Meatball Pasta Bake is a hearty, cheesy casserole featuring tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and rich marinara sauce baked together under a layer of melted mozzarella. It’s the perfect family-friendly comfort food, ideal for weeknight dinners or make-ahead meals.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, eggs, milk, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until combined.
Shape the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and return to the pot.
Stir marinara sauce into the pasta until evenly coated.
Spread half the pasta into the prepared dish. Add half of the meatballs and mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, meatballs, and cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve warm.

Notes

Use penne, ziti, or rigatoni for best texture.
Cook pasta slightly underdone to avoid mushiness.
Mix in ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier texture.
Can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen before baking.
Reheat leftovers in oven or microwave until hot.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of dish)
Calories: 560
Sugar: 7 g
Sodium: 860 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 140 mg