Description

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender meatballs and creamy pasta smothered in gooey melted cheese. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings and will bring warmth and satisfaction to your table. With rich flavors and an inviting aroma, it promises to be a new favorite for both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cups marinara sauce
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined. Form into golf-sized meatballs.
Brown meatballs in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for about 6 minutes.
Heat marinara sauce in a pot; add cooked pasta and browned meatballs, stirring to coat.
Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with mozzarella cheese.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 550
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - For lighter options, substitute ground beef with turkey or chicken. - Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. - Experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar or gouda for unique flavor profiles.