meatball and pasta bake recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best meatball and pasta bake recipe

I’m so excited to share this meatball and pasta bake recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser.

The combination of tender meatballs, al dente pasta, and rich tomato sauce is a match made in heaven. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years to make it healthier and more flavorful, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as we do.

This recipe has its roots in Italian cuisine, where meatballs are a common ingredient. However, I’ve taken some liberties to make it more suited to our American tastes.

The result is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. One of the key techniques in making this recipe is browning the meatballs before baking them.

This gives them a nice crust on the outside and keeps them juicy on the inside. I also like to use whole-wheat pasta to add some extra fiber and nutrients to the dish.

Another thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can customize it to suit your tastes by adding different herbs and spices to the meatballs or using various types of cheese in the sauce.

Meatball and Pasta Bake

Meatball and Pasta Bake

4.7 from 865 votes

A comforting dish featuring tender meatballs and pasta baked in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meatballs

500g ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce

1 jar 600ml tomato sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta

400g pasta shapes
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
3Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4Using your hands, form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
5Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
7While the meatballs are baking, heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
8Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
9Add tomato sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
10Stir well and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
11Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
12Drain and set aside.
13In a large baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, meatballs, and tomato sauce.
14Mix well, ensuring the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated with the sauce.
15Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
16Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and the sauce is bubbling.
17Allow the meatball and pasta bake to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
18This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Oven
Saucepan

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can use a mix of ground beef and pork for added flavor. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Meatball and Pasta Bake Works

This meatball and pasta bake recipe is always a good idea for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and delicious. It’s a great dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients. It is a perfect dish for a busy mom like me. I can make it ahead of time or freeze leftovers for later.

It’s a dish that brings back great memories and creates new ones. My family and I love it, and I know yours will too. Do not forget to serve it with a side salad or garlic bread and a glass of red wine. It is a perfect meal for any occasion. It’s a dish that feels like home, and I’m excited to share it with you. It is a dish that you can enjoy on any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special celebration.

It’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal and use up leftover ingredients. The health benefits of this dish are numerous. It’s a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. This is a dish that you can enjoy on any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special celebration. It’s a great way to incorporate vegetables into your meal and use up leftover ingredients. The health benefits of this dish are numerous.

It’s a good source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients. I often make a big batch of meatballs and freeze some for later use. This makes it easy to throw together a quick meal on busy nights. It’s a dish that brings back great memories and creates new ones.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Meatball and Pasta Bake

1. What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using a short, sturdy pasta shape like penne or rigatoni. These shapes hold onto the sauce nicely and won’t get lost in the bake.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

3. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy during baking?

To avoid overcooking the pasta, cook it al dente before mixing it with the sauce and meatballs. Then, during baking, cover the dish with foil for part of the cooking time to prevent drying out.

4. What if I don’t have fresh parsley on hand? Can I substitute with dried parsley?

While fresh parsley adds great flavor to this dish, you can use dried parsley as a substitute in a pinch. Just be aware that the flavor won’t be as bright and fresh.

5. Can I make individual portions of this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, you can portion out individual servings of this bake into containers for easy reheating throughout the week.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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