Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

Ingredients:

• Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Pasta Bake:
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups rotini pasta (or any pasta of your choice)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Meatballs:
   • In a bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
   • Form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
3. Cook Meatballs:
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides and mostly cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Cook Pasta:
   • Cook pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Assemble Bake:
   • In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
   • Add the cooked pasta and toss with additional marinara sauce to coat.
   • Nestle the meatballs into the pasta.
   • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

This dish is perfect for a hearty dinner and is sure to be a hit with family and friends. It combines the savory flavors of meatballs with the gooey goodness of melted cheese, all baked into a delightful pasta dish. Enjoy your meal! If you need any modifications or have specific dietary requirements, just let me know!