Description
This Meatball Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole combining tender shellbow pasta, savory meatballs, and a rich red sauce, all layered with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan cheese. Baked to perfection, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s easy to prepare and full of satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastas
- 16 ounces shellbow pasta
Meatballs and Sauce
- 24 ounces meatballs
- 24 ounces red sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Cheeses
- 10–12 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shellbow pasta until al dente; it should be tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.
- Layering Sauce and Meatballs: Spread a quarter of the red sauce evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish. Arrange the meatballs evenly over the sauce, then sprinkle the diced red bell pepper over the meatballs. Dollop the ricotta cheese evenly across this layer for creamy pockets of flavor.
- First Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the casserole layers to add richness and create a melty cheese base.
- Add Noodles with Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked noodles with the remaining red sauce until well coated. Layer this sauced pasta evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
- Final Cheese Layer: Top the sauced noodles with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to ensure a golden, bubbly cheese crust once baked.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil to retain moisture and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Remove foil near the end if you prefer a crispier cheese topping.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated for better flavor and melting.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- You can substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives for a vegetarian version but adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Add Italian herbs such as basil or oregano to enhance the flavor of the red sauce if desired.
