Baked pasta & Meatballs

Juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and rich tomato sauce baked with gooey cheese — a crowd-pleasing classic.

 Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

• Difficulty: Medium

• Servings: 6–8

 Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or half beef/half pork)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

• 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, milk, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.

3. Shape mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and place on the baking sheet.

4. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and browned.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

5. 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

6. Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).

7. In a large mixing bowl or pot, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half the mozzarella cheese. Gently fold in the baked meatballs.

8. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

9. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

10. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.

11. Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

 Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread or crusty bread

• Toss a simple green salad with vinaigrette on the side

• Add a glass of red wine for an elevated meal

 Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

• Microwave reheats well for quick meals.

 Nutrition Info (Per Serving — Approximate)

 Tips & Variations

• Add veggies: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Cheese swap: Use provolone, fontina, or cheddar for different cheese flavors.

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or meatball mix.

• 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.