Description
Meatball Pasta Bake {30 Minute Meal} is a comforting, hearty dish that combines juicy meatballs, al dente pasta, and rich marinara, all topped with gooey melted cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or gathering with friends, this quick recipe transforms your kitchen into a cozy Italian eatery in just thirty minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, half the Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown meatballs on all sides.
- Layer half of the pasta in the baking dish followed by half the marinara sauce and half the meatballs. Repeat layers.
- Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg