Few dishes bring a smile to everyone’s face quite like a hearty, cheesy pasta bake, and this Meatballs & Pasta Bake is no exception! This ultimate comfort food combines savory homemade meatballs with tender pasta, all swimming in a rich marinara sauce and blanketed with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s a complete meal in one dish, perfect for feeding a hungry family, a casual gathering, or simply satisfying that craving for wholesome, delicious Italian-American flavors.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Meatballs & Pasta Bake is a true kitchen hero, and I love it for so many reasons! First, it takes two beloved comfort foods – tender, flavorful homemade meatballs and classic baked pasta – and combines them into one gloriously cheesy dish. The meatballs, with their blend of beef and pork, are perfectly seasoned and bake up beautifully. Then, the simple assembly with al dente macaroni and your favorite marinara, topped generously with two kinds of cheese, makes for an irresistibly creamy and satisfying texture. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with incredible aromas and your belly with warmth. It’s substantial, always a crowd-pleaser, and makes for fantastic leftovers!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this hearty Meatballs & Pasta Bake:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean recommended)
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (or use all beef if preferred)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
- 3 cups macaroni or other small pasta (like penne, ziti, or rotini)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Swaps and Notes
- Ground Meat: The combination of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs a great flavor and tender texture. You can use all beef, or even ground turkey for a lighter option, but adjust moisture if needed.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs are fine, or use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Panko breadcrumbs will give a slightly lighter texture.
- Cheeses: Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella will melt beautifully. Pre-shredded cheeses can be used for convenience.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness. Dried oregano and basil are classic Italian flavors for meatballs. Feel free to use fresh herbs if you have them (double the amount for dried).
- Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite brand of jarred marinara sauce for convenience, or your go-to homemade recipe.
- Pasta Type: Macaroni is classic, but any small, sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well will work (e.g., penne, ziti, rotini).
- Optional Additions: Diced onion or bell pepper can be added to the meatball mixture or sautéed and added to the pasta layer. A dash of red pepper flakes can add a little heat.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Meatballs & Pasta Bake assembled!
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb ground pork (if using), 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley, 1 large egg, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Using your hands, mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can result in tough meatballs.
- Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. This should yield approximately 20-24 meatballs, depending on size.
- Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
- Bake for 25 minutes, or until the meatballs are nicely browned on the outside and cooked through. Remove from oven and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: While the meatballs are baking, cook the 3 cups macaroni (or chosen small pasta) according to package instructions until al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Assemble the Dish:
- In a large (approx. 9×13 inch) glass baking pan, combine the cooked macaroni, 2 cups marinara sauce, and half (about 1/2 cup) of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Arrange the baked meatballs evenly on top of the pasta mixture. If desired, you can pour an additional 1/2 to 1 cup of marinara sauce over the meatballs for extra sauciness.
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup) and the 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the meatballs and pasta.
- Bake the Dish:
- Cover the baking pan tightly with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the dish is heated through.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the top cheese to become golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes it easier to serve. Enjoy your hearty Meatballs and Pasta Bake!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overmix Meatballs: Overmixing the meatball mixture will make them tough. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- Pre-Bake Meatballs: Baking the meatballs separately first helps them hold their shape and browns them nicely without making the bake greasy.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven and absorb more sauce, so you don’t want it mushy to start.
- Good Quality Marinara: A good quality marinara sauce will significantly impact the overall flavor of your bake.
- Resting Time: Allowing the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking helps the sauce thicken and prevents it from being too runny when served.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Meatballs & Pasta Bake is a satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic Bread or Cheesy Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the bake.
- Steamed Vegetables: A side of broccoli, asparagus, or green beans adds a healthy touch.
- For other comforting and crowd-pleasing casserole dishes, consider our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To For Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This Meatballs & Pasta Bake makes fantastic leftovers and often tastes even better the next day!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot (cover with foil initially to prevent drying, then uncover to re-crisp cheese if desired). You may want to add a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Once completely cooled, wrap the entire pan (if freezer-safe) or individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and hearty nature of this Meatballs & Pasta Bake, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes:
- For another classic pasta dish, check out our Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
- If you’re a fan of comforting pasta bakes, our This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way To Make Comfort Food Fast is a fantastic time-saver.
- For an easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
Final Thoughts
This Meatballs & Pasta Bake recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, a lively gathering, or anytime you crave pure, cheesy, pasta goodness.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite baked pasta dish to make at home? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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