Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing comfort food that checks all the boxes — hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and absolutely effortless — let me share my all-time favorite Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe! This oven-baked dish brings together juicy meatballs, perfectly cooked penne, and oozy mozzarella in a rich, zesty tomato sauce, all crowned with fresh basil. It’s the kind of meal that guarantees happy faces at the table and zero leftovers. Trust me, this classic is a game-changer for family dinners, cozy potlucks, or whenever you just need a little culinary hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe lies in its simplicity — every ingredient is purposeful, from the savory meatballs to the fresh herbs on top. Each element blends for perfect flavor, color, and that irresistible melty-cheese finish.
- Penne Pasta (12 oz): The ideal pasta shape for holding onto sauce and cheese in every bite.
- Meatballs (1 lb, frozen or homemade): Juicy, hearty, and the true star of this recipe — use your favorite variety for a personal touch.
- Marinara Sauce (1 jar, 24 oz): Provides a rich and tangy base that brings the dish together beautifully.
- Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14.5 oz, drained): Adds texture and an extra layer of tomato flavor for deeper satisfaction.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): A quick way to introduce those classic herb notes we crave in every bite.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Effortless garlicky depth, perfectly distributed through the mix.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (2 cups): For that iconic gooey, bubbly cheesy topping everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Brings savory, nutty flavor that pairs so well with pasta and tomato.
- Fresh Basil or Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds pops of green color and a bright herbal finish just before serving.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Contributes silkiness and depth, especially when baked with everything else.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning every layer and bringing the flavors forward.
How to Make Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente — you want the pasta to retain a little bite, since it will cook more in the oven. Drain the pasta, then set it aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients in the Baking Dish
In a large oven-safe skillet or a 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and a tablespoon of olive oil. Add half of the mozzarella cheese as well. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and there are no dry spots.
Step 3: Add the Meatballs
Gently stir in your meatballs, making sure each one is nestled into the saucy pasta but still visible on top for that classic look. Whether you use frozen, homemade, or even turkey meatballs, this Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe is ultra-forgiving and totally customizable.
Step 4: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan evenly over the surface. Cover the dish with foil — this helps trap steam and ensure those meatballs heat through. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden, melted, and bubbling at the edges.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Once your Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe is irresistibly golden and bubbly, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley generously over the top for that essential herbal brightness. Let it rest for a couple of minutes for easier serving — then dig in while it’s glorious and hot!
How to Serve Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your pasta bake with a shower of fresh basil or parsley elevates both flavor and appearance. For an extra indulgence, you can add even more grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe is wonderfully filling on its own, but it’s even better alongside garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or steamed green beans. These sides help balance out the meal and soak up every bit of that cheesy, tomato-rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve portions in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for individual servings. You can also top with a few extra mini meatballs on each plate for a playful finish, or slice it into squares for a buffet-style dinner with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even cozier lunch or dinner the next day!
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe but don’t bake it yet. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, allow it to thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through and bubbly. To keep the cheese moist, cover with foil while reheating and remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp things up.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for catching sauce and cheese, any short pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli will work beautifully for this Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe.
Do I need to thaw frozen meatballs first?
If your meatballs are precooked, you can add them straight to the dish. If they’re raw, it’s best to either cook them as directed first or ensure the bake is in the oven long enough for them to reach safe temperature — just add a few extra minutes.
What if I want to add vegetables?
That’s a fantastic idea! Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini make lovely additions to your Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe. Just cook the veggies first so they blend seamlessly into the bake.
Can I prep this ahead for a party?
Definitely. Assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, bake as directed but add an extra 10 minutes if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What are some good meatball variations?
You can swap in spicy Italian sausage meatballs, turkey meatballs, or even vegetarian options. Each variation can bring a different spin to your Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe without changing the preparation method.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to dive into this easy, irresistible Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe! Whether you’re gathering family for a laid-back Sunday supper or sharing comfort with friends, this dish truly never disappoints. Give it a try and watch it become a reliable favorite at your table!
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Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Meatball Pasta Bake recipe is a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Tender meatballs, al dente pasta, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey cheese come together in this easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Meatballs:
- 1 lb frozen or homemade meatballs
Sauce:
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese and Herbs:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the dish: In a large oven-safe skillet or 9×13-inch baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, olive oil, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the meatballs: Stir in the meatballs until evenly coated.
- Cheese topping: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use store-bought or homemade meatballs for this recipe.
- For extra flavor, try using spicy Italian sausage or turkey meatballs.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; adjust the bake time if chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
