meatball and pasta bake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best meatball and pasta bake recipe

I’m so excited to share this meatball and pasta bake recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my family.

The combination of juicy meatballs, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato sauce is a match made in heaven. I’ve been making this recipe for so long now that I’ve lost count, but it’s still a favorite among my kids and husband.

We love it because it’s easy to make, feeds a crowd, and is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special event. One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your taste by adding different spices, herbs, or even some hidden veggies for added nutrition.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites because they can get creative with the toppings and mix-ins. It’s also an excellent way to use up leftover pasta or meatballs from previous meals.

I’ve experimented with various types of pasta over the years, but penne remains my top choice for its tube shape and ridged texture that holds onto the sauce perfectly. I’ve also tried using different types of meatballs – beef, pork, turkey – but beef remains our go-to choice for its rich flavor and tender texture.

As an added bonus, this dish is relatively quick to prepare and cooks in under an hour, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when everyone needs something satisfying yet fast to fuel up before their next adventure.

Meatball and Pasta Bake

4.6 from 616 votes

A comforting dish featuring juicy meatballs and pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

500g ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 can 14 oz tomato sauce
1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta

8 oz pasta shapes (like penne or rigatoni)
2 cups water
1 tsp salt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
6Once hot, add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
7Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
8In the same pan, add chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
9Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
10Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
11Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
12While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta.
13In a large pot, bring water and salt to a boil.
14Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
15Drain the pasta and set aside.
16In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, and tomato sauce.
17Stir gently to ensure the pasta and meatballs are well coated with the sauce.
18Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
19Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
20The meatballs should reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
21Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
22This allows the sauce to settle and makes it easier to serve.
23Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Large pot
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for a more flavorful meatball. Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra nutrition.

This meatball and pasta bake recipe has been a trusted favorite in our household for years, and we just can’t get enough of it!

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when everyone needs something satisfying yet quick to fuel up before their next adventure.

We love how customizable this recipe is – you can add your favorite toppings or mix-ins to make it truly yours.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball and Pasta Bake

Q: What type of pasta is best for this recipe?

Penne is our go-to choice because its tube shape allows it to hold onto the sauce perfectly.

Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience.

Q: How do I ensure my meatballs are not too dry?

Mixing in some breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese helps keep them moist.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Q: What if I don’t have any fresh herbs on hand?

No problem! Use dried herbs or omit them altogether if you prefer.

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