Description

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is a hearty, comforting casserole made with tender homemade meatballs, al dente pasta, flavorful marinara sauce, and plenty of melty mozzarella cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 large eggs
12 oz pasta shells or penne
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish.
In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, eggs, salt, and pepper until combined.
Roll mixture into small meatballs and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides. Drain excess grease.
Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain well.
Combine cooked pasta and marinara sauce in the prepared baking dish. Gently fold in browned meatballs.
Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with chopped basil or parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baked.