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Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.1 from 4 reviews

This hearty Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd. Layers of ziti pasta, tender meatballs, ricotta, marinara sauce, and a rich blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses come together in a baked dish that’s even better than lasagna. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this dish offers a cheesy, flavorful experience with a golden bubbly top.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta

Meatballs and Sauce

  • 1 ½ pounds frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
  • 2 (28 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce

Cheese and Seasoning

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
  • ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking meatballs)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the ziti pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes less than the package instructions, approximately 8 minutes. Drain the pasta well.
  2. Prepare the baking dish and oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13×9 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  3. Brown the meatballs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thawed meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes, ensuring they are heated through and develop a flavorful crust.
  4. Combine sauce and cheeses. To the skillet, add the marinara sauce and ricotta cheese and stir to combine thoroughly. Then add the cooked pasta and mix well. Season the mixture with Italian seasoning and garlic powder, distributing the flavors evenly.
  5. Assemble the pasta bake. Spread a layer of sauce without meatballs on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over this layer. Next, add another layer consisting of the sauce with meatballs and sprinkle ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Then add another layer of 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Add the remaining meatball and sauce mixture on top, followed by the last 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and the remaining ⅓ cup of Parmesan cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
  6. Bake with foil. Place the covered dish in your preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the casserole is heated through, about 20 to 30 minutes.
  7. Bake uncovered for browning. Remove the aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese on top turns a golden brown and bubbly.
  8. Serve and enjoy. Let the pasta bake rest a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly, then enjoy your cheesy, flavorful meatball pasta bake.

Notes

  • You can substitute any short pasta like penne or rigatoni instead of ziti.
  • Feel free to sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top before serving for additional cheesiness.
  • If you don’t have frozen cooked meatballs, you can use fresh ones but adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Make sure to not overcook the pasta initially as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/meatball-pasta-bake-recipe/