Baked pasta & Meatballs
Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce baked with gooey cheese — a crowd-pleasing classic.
Preparation Details
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
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Difficulty: Medium
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Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef (or half beef/half pork)
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1/4 cup milk
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1 large egg
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta & Sauce:
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12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
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3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
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Shape mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.
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Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and browned.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
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While meatballs bake, cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Bake
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Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl or pot, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half the mozzarella cheese. Gently fold in the baked meatballs.
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
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Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread
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Toss a simple green salad with vinaigrette on the side
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Add a glass of red wine for an elevated meal
Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
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Microwave reheats well for quick meals.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving — Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Tips & Variations
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Add veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
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Cheese swap: Use provolone, fontina, or cheddar for different cheese flavors.
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Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or meatball mix.
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Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Pasta & Meatballs recipe is a perfect balance of hearty flavors, cheesy goodness, and satisfying textures. It’s an easy dish to prep ahead and bake just before dinner, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or special occasions.
