Description
Creamy Baked Pasta with Meatballs
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 lb (450g) ground beef or pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Pasta Casserole:
12 oz (340g) pasta (penne or fettuccine works best)
2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with Alfredo sauce.
Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the pasta.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Chef’s Tip: For a flavor boost, add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the pasta before baking. Enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed guide. First, ensure all ingredients are prepped and measured. When mixing meatballs, combine the dry ingredients before adding the egg and meat to avoid overworking, which can make them tough. Use a cookie scoop for uniformly sized meatballs. For the pasta, undercook it by 1-2 minutes since it will continue cooking in the oven. When assembling, toss the drained pasta directly in the Alfredo sauce to coat every piece before transferring to the greased dish. Nestle the meatballs halfway into the pasta so they stay juicy.
Serving Suggestions
This rich casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every last bit. For a complete Italian feast, start with an antipasto platter or a classic minestrone soup.
How-to Summary
In summary: mix and bake meatballs, cook pasta al dente, combine pasta with sauce, assemble in a dish with meatballs, top with cheeses, and bake until golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely. Short, sturdy shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or shells are excellent as they hold the sauce well.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
Can I use frozen meatballs? You can. Use about 20-24 pre-cooked frozen meatballs. Thaw them first or extend the initial bake time by 5-10 minutes before adding to the casserole.
How can I make this recipe lighter? Use ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs, a light Alfredo sauce, and reduce the cheese amount by half, opting for part-skim varieties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta before baking, which results in a mushy final texture.
- Packing the meatball mixture too tightly, leading to dense, tough meatballs.
- Using cold sauce straight from the fridge, which increases overall baking time and can dry out the dish.
- Not letting the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking, causing it to be too runny when served.
- Using finely grated Parmesan instead of shredded mozzarella for the top layer, which can burn rather than melt beautifully.
Conclusion
This creamy baked pasta with meatballs is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or entertaining a crowd. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and create a consistently delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. Don’t be afraid to add your own personal touches with extra vegetables or herbs. Enjoy the process and the delicious, cheesy results!