Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender homemade meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, rich marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. This dish brings all the flavors of classic spaghetti and meatballs into an easy, baked casserole.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefbreadcrumbsParmesan cheesegarlic powderonion powderItalian seasoningeggspasta shells or penneolive oilmarinara saucemozzarella cheesefresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)salt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.

In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, eggs, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Roll the mixture into small meatballs and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and drain excess grease.

Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain.

In the baking dish, combine cooked pasta and marinara sauce, then gently fold in the browned meatballs.

Top everything with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes

Variations

Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Try a mix of cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or fontina for a different flavor.
Use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, bake covered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or microwave individual portions.
You can freeze the baked pasta for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I have to brown the meatballs first?
Browning adds flavor, but you can bake the raw meatballs directly in the sauce if you prefer.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells hold the sauce well.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap the meatballs for vegetarian meatballs or roasted vegetables.

How do I prevent the pasta from overcooking?
Cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook while baking.

Conclusion

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is a family-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together all the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine in one easy bake. It’s cheesy, saucy, and utterly delicious—perfect for weeknights or special occasions. Give it a try and watch it become a household favorite!

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