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Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe Weeknight-Friendly •

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe:
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 6
Calories 520kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 8–10 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through.
  • Stir marinara sauce into the skillet with the meatballs and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • In the prepared baking dish, combine cooked pasta with the meatball sauce mixture. Mix to coat evenly.
  • Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.