Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake
Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort dish that combines savory meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich layer of gooey cheese. This delightful bake is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. Its warm flavors and satisfying textures make it an instant favorite among both kids and adults. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish transforms into a cheesy masterpiece that brings everyone to the table!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef (or turkey)
- 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape into 1-inch meatballs and brown in a skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Add the browned meatballs, cooked pasta, and remaining marinara sauce on top.
- Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes; then remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken. - Enhance nutrition by adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. - Experiment with different cheeses such as provolone or cheddar for varied flavor profiles.