Italian Meatball Pasta Bake (Printable)
Comforting casserole with tender homemade meatballs, pasta, and melted cheese in rich tomato sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Meatballs
01 - 1.1 lbs ground beef or beef-pork blend
02 - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
03 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 large egg
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
07 - 1/4 cup milk
08 - 1 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
→ For the Pasta Bake
11 - 12 oz dried penne or rigatoni
12 - 2 cups marinara or tomato pasta sauce
13 - 1 cup water
14 - 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 1 tbsp olive oil
→ For Garnish
17 - Fresh basil leaves, torn
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
02 - Combine all meatball ingredients in a large bowl. Mix gently until just combined. Shape into 24 small meatballs, approximately 1 tablespoon each.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides for about 5 minutes; they need not be cooked through. Transfer to a plate.
04 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well.
05 - Combine partially cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and water in the prepared baking dish. Stir thoroughly to coat pasta evenly.
06 - Nestle browned meatballs evenly into pasta mixture. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
07 - Cover tightly with foil. Bake for 25 minutes.
08 - Remove foil and continue baking for 15 to 20 minutes, until cheese is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
09 - Let casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The meatballs stay incredibly tender because they cook right in the sauce instead of getting tough in the oven alone
- Everything happens in one dish so you spend less time cleaning and more time with people you love
02 -
- Do not overmix the meatball mixture or they will become tough and rubbery
- The pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so undercooking it slightly is absolutely essential
03 -
- Use a mix of beef and pork for the most flavorful, juicy meatballs
- Grate your own Parmesan instead of using pre-grated for better melting and flavor