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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.

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)

Instructions

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

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/meatball-pasta-bake/