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Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake: A Delicious Comfort Food Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender meatballs baked with al dente pasta in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with a gooey blend of mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. This dish combines the flavors of Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, making it a perfect meal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Sauce

  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Cheeses & Garnishes

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Meatballs: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter.
  3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs carefully and cook, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently nestle the browned meatballs throughout the pasta mixture. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  5. Bake & Serve: Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheeses are fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden. Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Use day-old pasta if possible to prevent sogginess in the bake.
  • For a lower fat option, substitute ground turkey for beef or sausage.
  • Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten intolerance.
  • Make sure to not overcook the pasta during boiling; it will cook further in the oven.
  • The bake can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball pasta bake, cheesy pasta, baked pasta, comfort food, Italian pasta bake

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/cheesy-meatball-pasta-bake-a-delicious-comfort-food-recipe/