Description
Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting dish that brings together juicy meatballs, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. This one-pan wonder is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will warm your heart and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Easy to prepare and endlessly adaptable, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into golf ball-sized meatballs.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; brown meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer half the pasta, half the sauce, and half the meatballs. Repeat layers.
- Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg