Satisfy Your Cravings with a Hearty Meatballs & Pasta Bake Recipe!

Photo byAngie Bright

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a classic pasta bake, and when you add meatballs to the mix, you’ve got the ultimate dish for a cozy night in. Meatballs & Pasta Bake is a crowd-pleaser that brings together tender, flavorful meatballs, al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner, preparing for a gathering, or just craving something hearty, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Why Meatballs & Pasta Bake is a Winner

This dish combines everything you love about Italian-inspired comfort food. You’ve got homemade meatballs made from a mix of ground beef and pork for extra flavor, combined with herbs and cheese for a savory, delicious bite. The pasta, coated in marinara sauce and mixed with mozzarella, creates a creamy, cheesy base for the meatballs to nestle in. After baking, you’re left with a golden, bubbling dish of pure comfort that’s perfect for any occasion.

Recipe: Meatballs & 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: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
   In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined—being careful not to over-mix to ensure tender meatballs. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should have around 20-24 meatballs.
3. Bake the Meatballs:
   Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake them for 25 minutes or until browned and cooked through.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Assemble the Dish:
   In a large glass baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Gently stir to mix. Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the pasta mixture. For extra sauce, you can pour additional marinara over the meatballs. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake the Dish:
   Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the dish is hot and bubbly. For a golden, crispy top, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is lightly browned.

This Meatballs & Pasta Bake is perfect when served hot, and it pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread on the side.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this Meatballs & Pasta Bake will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for satisfying those cravings for comfort food. The blend of tender meatballs, cheesy pasta, and rich marinara sauce creates a dish that feels both hearty and homey, making it the perfect centerpiece for any meal.

Here are some great resources to guide you on making the perfect Meatballs & Pasta Bake:

1. FoodieCrush offers a detailed breakdown of meatball preparation, including tips on keeping the meatballs tender and flavorful by not overworking the meat and using simple, fresh ingredients. They also provide guidance on simmering the meatballs directly in the sauce for enhanced flavor​Foodie Crush.
2. Rachel Cooks gives a helpful approach to making homemade meatballs that emphasizes using breadcrumbs soaked in milk to create extra moisture, ensuring your meatballs remain juicy. She also includes tips on freezing meatballs for future meals, which can be handy if you want to make a big batch​Rachel Cooks®.

You can explore both sites for more tips and variations on perfecting your meatballs and pasta bake!