Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

Picture this: a cozy evening, your favorite playlist in the background, and me whipping up a dreamy baked pasta dish that’s all about cheesy, saucy goodness, with just a hint of a spicy kick if you’re feeling adventurous. Let’s dive into this deliciously satisfying meal that’s bound to become a family favorite! 🍝✨

Savor my Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake, a dish I find so comforting it borders on the divine. Juicy meatballs made from ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese come together with al dente pasta and rich marinara sauce, then meld with melted mozzarella into one gloriously cheese-and-meat-stuffed casserole.

Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
For the Casserole:
8 ounces pasta (any shape)
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, optional (for garnish)

Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Rich in protein and iron, adds hearty flavor.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides texture and helps bind meatballs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, rich taste and enhances umami.
• Garlic: Boosts flavor with aromatic, savory notes.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth and earthy flavor.
• Pasta: Source of carbohydrates; it makes the dish filling.
• Marinara Sauce: Gives a tangy, sweet tomato base to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts for creamy, gooey goodness on top.
• Olive Oil: Healthy fat, adds richness and aids cooking.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a hint of spice for extra kick.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

How to Make this

1. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Oil with olive oil a baking dish.

2. In a big basin, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend until well combined.

3. Shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, approximately 1 inch in diameter, and set them aside.

4. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Sear the meatballs until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

5. Prepare the pasta as the package directs until it reaches the firm-to-the-bite stage, known as “al dente,” which literally means “to the tooth” in Italian. Drain the pasta in a colander, then return it to the pot. A nonstick pot makes this easier.

6. Combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce and give it a good stir.
If you like it spicy, add the red pepper flakes.

7. Half of the pasta and sauce mixture should be spread into the prepared baking dish. Meatballs arranged on top should have half of the mozzarella cheese sprinkled on them.

8. Top the meatballs with the leftover pasta and sauce, and then finish with the rest of the mozzarella.

9. Put the dish into the oven and heat it for 20-25 minutes, or bake it until the cheese bubbles and turns a rich golden brown.

10. Take it out of the oven and allow it to cool a little. If you want, you can make it even prettier by garnishing it with fresh basil leaves right before you serve it. And then, of course, you and your family can just enjoy it!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Large skillet
5. Nonstick pot
6. Colander
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Measuring cups and spoons
9. Knife
10. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of ground meat instead of beef?A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of ground beef for a lighter version, or you can use a mix of beef and pork for added flavor.
• Q: What type of pasta is best for this dish?A: Sturdy pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni, are ideal for holding the sauce and meatballs. You can use any pasta shape you like.
• Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?Certainly! It is possible to ready the dish and put it together completely, wrap it securely, and keep it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before you stick it in the oven. But don’t just take my word for it. The wonderful home cook Molly Yeh of Food52, who has a cool way of writing recipes, which is part of her charm, gives this advice for making her Overnight Breakfast Casserole.
• Q: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?A: Plants can definitely be substituted for meat in a sauce or cheese. Just ensure that the sauce and cheese are also plant-based. If you can’t go plant-based with the sauce and cheese, then ensure that they are vegetarian-friendly.
• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?A: To make a spicier meatball, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or mix in some diced chili peppers.
• Q: Can this be frozen for later use?Yes, you can freeze the unbaked pasta bakes. They can be kept in the freezer for up to a month. To bake the pasta from frozen, add time to the bake duration and ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substituting for ground beef means using ground turkey or chicken when you want a healthier, leaner alternative. This might sound simple enough—just swap in these other ground meats where you’d typically use ground beef, and you’re good to go!
You can substitute breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, which give a different texture.
Pecorino Romano can be used instead of grated Parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor.
You can use tomato basil sauce or roasted red pepper sauce in place of marinara sauce to amp up the flavor.
Fresh basil leaves can be substituted with fresh oregano or parsley for different aromatics.

Pro Tips

1. Use Fresh Parmesan: For added depth of flavor, grate fresh Parmesan instead of using pre-grated. It will melt better and enhance the overall taste of the meatballs.