Ingredients
Scale
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for a mouthwatering Smothered Meatball and Pasta Bake. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 12 ounces cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni work great)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake the meatballs for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, then mix it with marinara sauce in a large bowl.
- Once baked, add meatballs to the pasta and sauce mixture and stir gently.
- Layer half of the mixture in a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, sprinkle with half the mozzarella, add the remaining mixture, and top with the rest of the mozzarella.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Omnivore