Description
Meatball Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (500 g) ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta Bake:
12 oz (350 g) rotini or penne pasta
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley for garnish
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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
2. Cook the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through. Set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Bake:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce. Mix well to coat.
Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow this detailed guide for a foolproof bake. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently mix all meatball ingredients with your hands until just combined; overmixing makes tough meatballs. Roll into 1-inch balls. In a skillet with hot olive oil, brown meatballs on all sides for 6-8 minutes—they will finish cooking in the oven. Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water for 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain. In your baking dish, toss the drained pasta with the marinara sauce. Nestle the browned meatballs into the pasta. Top evenly with both cheeses. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty bake is a complete meal, but these pairings elevate it. Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up sauce. For a vegetable side, roasted broccoli or asparagus works beautifully. For a crowd, double the recipe in a larger dish, keeping the bake time the same.
How-to Summary
To summarize: 1) Mix and brown the meatballs. 2) Cook pasta until al dente. 3) Combine pasta and sauce in a baking dish. 4) Add meatballs and top with cheese. 5) Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the dish completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or ziti are excellent choices as their shapes hold sauce well.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Can I use store-bought meatballs? You can. For speed, use high-quality frozen, pre-cooked meatballs. Thaw and add them during assembly, reducing initial browning time.
How can I make the dish less greasy? Use leaner ground beef (90/10) or drain the meatballs on a paper towel after browning to remove excess fat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the meatball meat: This develops tough gluten. Mix until just combined.
- Overcooking the pasta: It will turn mushy during baking. Always cook to al dente.
- Using cold sauce: Using room-temperature or warmed marinara helps the dish heat evenly and faster.
- Skimping on browning: Browning meatballs builds crucial flavor. Don’t skip this step.
- Using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents: These can prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese melts best.
Conclusion
This Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining savory homemade meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and melted cheese. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a crowd-pleasing dish that is both satisfying and straightforward. It’s a versatile recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a gathering. Enjoy your delicious creation!