Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s been staple in my family for years. What is comfort food? Baked Meatball Pasta. What is lasagna without all the fussy layering? What is the ultimate weeknight dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds… and maybe even more? I can practically smell it baking right now, taking me back to Sunday dinners at my grandma’s.Baked Meatballs Pasta Recipe:is just…well, it’s home.
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What is Baked Meatball Pasta?
So, what exactly IS Baked Meatballs Pasta? It’s essentially a deconstructed lasagna, if that makes sense. Instead of carefully layering everything, we’re tossing cooked pasta with a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, juicy homemade (or store-bought – no judgment here!) meatballs, and a generous helping of cheese. Then, we bake it all together until it’s bubbly, gooey, and utterly irresistible. Think of it as the easier, more relaxed cousin of lasagna, perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start?Baked Meatballs Pasta Recipe. is a total winner for so many reasons. What I love most is how it all comes together in one pan. Fewer dishes? Yes, please! But beyond the ease of cleanup, the flavor is truly amazing. The meatballs are packed with savory goodness, the sauce is rich and tangy, and the cheese…oh, the cheese! It melts into every nook and cranny, creating these little pockets of cheesy perfection. Plus, it’s so simple to make. You can whip this up on a busy weeknight and still have time to relax before bedtime. And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency! This recipe is super budget-friendly. You can use ground beef, ground turkey, or even a mix of both. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store. And the versatility is a huge bonus! You can customize it with different types of pasta, cheeses, or veggies. Speaking of similar recipes, this is way easier than a traditional baked ziti, plus, I think the flavor of the meatballs adds a deeper richness. For my family, it’s not just a meal; it’s a memory, a hug in a pan. It’s the dish I make when I want to show my love and create a little moment of joy around the dinner table.
How to Make Baked Meatballs Pasta
Quick Overview
Making this Baked Meatballs Pasta Recipe.How do you make meatballs? What are some good ways to cook pasta, then mix everything together with a delicious tomato sauce and plenty of fresh basil? I like to bake cheese, and bake it until it’s bubbly and golden brown. Is it really that easy to make ricotta cheese? What are some good ways to use cottage cheese in a salad? What is it like to make your own recipe?
Ingredients
For the Meatballs: What
* 1 pound ground beef (I like to use 80/20 for extra flavor) * 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or Italian) seasoned) * 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese * 1 large egg, lightly beaten * 2 cloves garlic, minced * 1 teaspoon dried oregano * 1/2 teaspoon dry basil * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for vegetarians only) (if not smoked) ) * Salt and pepper to taste * 2 tablespoons olive oil, for browning.
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work great)
* Salt for pasta water
For the Sauce:
* 1 (24 ounce) jar marinara sauce (I love Rao’s, but use your favorite!)
* 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cheese: What are some good
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese * 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese* 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I always do this with olive oil on a paper towel – it’s quick and easy! Make sure you get all the corners.
Step 2: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, parsley, and pepper. Serve warm or cold. Red pepper flakes (if using), salt and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until everything is just combined. What are some of the best ways to cook meatballs?
Step 3: Roll and Brown the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned. This step adds so much flavor!
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the meatballs are browning, cook the pasta according to package directions in salted boiling water. Don’t rinse pasta, we want that starch to help the sauce cling to it. Drain well. Do not rinse the pasta.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, oregano, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. Stir to combine.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and browned meatballs to the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Now, gently fold in the ricotta cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
Step 7: Assemble and Bake
How do you prepare pasta in a baking dish? Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown. I always keep a close eye on it during the last few minutes to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the pasta stand for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
What should I serve it with?
This Baked Meatballs Pasta Recipe.I love serving it with a few simple side dishes. What is a good green salad with vinaigrette dressing? The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of pasta perfectly. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, some garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are good options. What is the best way to soak up all that delicious sauce? Why not serve a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and olive oil? What are some good cocktails to serve with this dish?
For a casual weeknight dinner: Serve with a simple green salad and garlic bread.
For a Potluck:What is the best dish for sharing? Just transport it in a disposable baking dish and keep it warm until serving.
For a Special Occasion:Dress it up with roasted vegetables and a nice bottle of wine.
What are some tips for perfecting baked meatballs Pasta?
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that can take this What is the best pasta recipe for baked meatballs to the next level. First, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of pasta. Penne, rotini, and rigatoni all work well, but you could also try using shells or even cavatappi. Just make sure the pasta is cooked al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy in the oven. When it comes to the meatballs, using a mix of ground beef and ground pork can add extra flavor and richness. You can also add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the meatball mixture for a deeper, more savory taste. Another tip is to use high-quality marinara sauce. It really makes a difference in the overall flavor of the dish. And if you have time, you can even make your own marinara sauce from scratch! For the cheese, using a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and Parmesan can create a really complex and delicious flavor profile. And don’t be shy with the cheese – the more, the merrier! When baking the pasta, make sure to cover it with foil for the first half of the baking time. This will prevent the cheese from burning and ensure that the pasta is cooked through. Then, remove the foil for the last half of the baking time to allow the cheese to melt and get bubbly. Finally, let the pasta stand for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken up a bit and make it easier to serve.
Meatball MixingDon’t overmix meatballs! Overmixing leads to tough meat balls.
Cheese Choice: Experiment with cheeses! A little provolone in addition to mozzarella adds a great flavor.
Sauce Boost: Add a pinch of sugar to the sauce if it tastes too acidic.
Pasta Prep: Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Baking Perfection: Cover with foil for the first half of baking to prevent burning.
Rest Time: Let it rest for a few minutes before serving for easier slicing.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Baked Meatballs Pasta Recipe is great for making ahead of time or storing leftovers. To store, let the pasta cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled pasta tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. You can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pasta with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the texture might not be as good.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer Instructions: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Baked Meatballs Pasta Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the warmth of the oven, the aroma of garlic and herbs, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create your own memories around the dinner table. And if you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta dishes for more inspiration! Happy cooking!
Baked Meatballs with Pasta: 7 Secrets to the Perfect Parmesan Spinach Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef use lean beef for healthier meatballs
- 1 cup bread crumbs preferably Italian seasoned
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for frying
- 2 cups spinach fresh, washed and chopped
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 16 ounces pasta spaghetti or any long pasta of your choice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream for the sauce
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into small balls approximately 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and fry the meatballs until browned on all sides.
- Place meatballs in a baking dish and cover with heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté spinach until wilted.
- Add the baked meatballs and sauce to the skillet with spinach. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Serve the meatballs and sauce over the pasta. Enjoy your meal!
