Meatballs and Pasta Bake: The Ultimate Comforting Weeknight Recipe

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There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy pasta bake. It's a dish that brings family and friends together, filling the kitchen with the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling marinara, tender meatballs, and melted cheese. The Meatballs and Pasta Bake is a classic that checks all the boxes: hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you're looking for a simple yet delicious weeknight dinner or preparing a meal to feed a crowd, this dish is always a winner.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of rich flavors and textures. The meatballs, made from a blend of ground beef and pork, are tender and juicy, seasoned with fragrant herbs like oregano and basil. Mixed with the perfect blend of cheeses and paired with macaroni or your favorite pasta, each bite is a delightful combination of savory meat, gooey mozzarella, and tangy marinara.

But don’t be intimidated by the idea of homemade meatballs or a pasta bake. With a little prep, this dish comes together easily. The meatballs are baked to perfection in the oven, while the pasta cooks on the stovetop. Once assembled in a baking dish, the magic happens as the oven melds everything together, creating a golden, bubbly masterpiece.

Recipe: Meatballs and Pasta Bake

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork (or use all beef if preferred)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Pasta:

• 3 cups macaroni or other small pasta
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs and the final dish.
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix just enough to bring the ingredients together, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain tenderness. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding approximately 20-24 meatballs. Place the meatballs on a lined or greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
3. Cook the Pasta:
   While the meatballs bake, cook the macaroni in boiling water according to the package instructions. Make sure to drain the pasta when it's al dente (firm to the bite), so it doesn’t become too soft when baked. Set the cooked pasta aside.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In a large glass baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Gently stir to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta. Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the pasta, and if desired, add more marinara sauce over the meatballs. Finally, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake the Dish:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the sauce is hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted. For an added touch, remove the foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes to allow the cheese to become golden and crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
   Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the bake to cool slightly. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

This recipe is perfect for a family meal or for preparing in advance as a make-ahead dish. The combination of the tender meatballs, cheesy pasta, and rich marinara sauce makes this pasta bake a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether it's a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this Meatballs and Pasta Bake offers a comforting and filling option that everyone will love.

Here are a few great sources that can help you perfect your Meatballs and Pasta Bake recipe:

1. Allrecipes provides detailed guides on making the best meatballs. They emphasize the importance of using a blend of meats (such as beef, pork, and veal), adding cheese and seasonings like garlic and parsley, and keeping the meatballs moist with eggs and bread crumbs. Baking the meatballs ensures an even cook while reducing the need for frying​(Allrecipes)​(Allrecipes).
2. Chef John's Italian Meatballs recipe, also on Allrecipes, offers another method by soaking breadcrumbs in milk and slow-cooking onions for added flavor. These steps contribute to tender, juicy meatballs that pair perfectly with marinara sauce​(Allrecipes).