Description

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich marinara sauce. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable based on what’s in your pantry. With every bite offering an explosion of flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and create unforgettable moments around the dinner table.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
2 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a bowl, mix ground beef with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into bite-sized meatballs.
Place meatballs on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes until browned.
While meatballs bake, heat marinara sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until warm.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, baked meatballs, and marinara sauce; stir well to coat.
Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 900mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: - For added nutrition, mix in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. - Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the recipe. - Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or cheddar for unique flavors.