Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake
A delightful and heartwarming dish that combines pasta with savory meatballs, all enveloped in melted cheese, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef The heart of your meatballs, offering rich flavor and satisfying protein.
- 1 tsp garlic powder Adds a savory kick that enhances every bite.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that brings warmth and aroma.
- to taste none Salt & pepper Essential for enhancing flavors.
For the Pasta Bake
- 2 cups marinara sauce The tangy tomato base that ties everything together.
- 8 oz cooked penne pasta The perfect shape to capture sauce and meatballs.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella The gooey cheese that melts beautifully on top.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan A sprinkle of savory goodness that elevates this dish.
- optional none Fresh parsley For a pop of color and freshness to finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the ground beef, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into mini meatballs.
Cooking
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs until cooked through.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, half of the mozzarella, and all of the grated Parmesan.
- Gently fold in the cooked meatballs into the pasta mixture.
- Transfer everything into a baking dish and top with the remaining mozzarella.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Let meatballs rest after browning to keep them juicy. Consider adding red pepper flakes for heat or mixing in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. Reserve some cheese to add halfway through baking for extra cheesiness.