why make this recipe
One Pan Meatball Pasta Bake is a fantastic dish for busy nights. It combines juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce all in one pan. This recipe is simple, making it perfect for families or anyone who enjoys easy cooking. Plus, cleanup is a breeze since everything cooks together in one pan!
how to make One Pan Meatball Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form this mixture into meatballs and set them aside.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta with the marinara sauce and 4 cups of water.
- Stir in the meatballs, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
how to serve One Pan Meatball Pasta Bake
Serve the One Pan Meatball Pasta Bake warm straight from the oven. It works great as a hearty main dish. You can also pair it with a side salad or garlic bread to complete the meal.
how to store One Pan Meatball Pasta Bake
To store the leftovers, let the dish cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving again.
tips to make One Pan Meatball Pasta Bake
- Use fresh herbs if you have them on hand for more flavor.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce.
variation
You can swap out the ground beef for ground chicken or a meat substitute if you prefer a different protein. Additionally, using whole wheat pasta can make the dish a bit healthier.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them directly to the pasta and sauce without thawing, and adjust the baking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
- What can I serve with this dish? This pasta bake pairs well with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare everything ahead of time and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it just before you plan to serve it.
One Pan Meatball Pasta Bake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form this mixture into meatballs and set them aside.
- In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, combine the uncooked pasta with the marinara sauce and 4 cups of water.
- Stir in the meatballs, making sure they are fully submerged in the sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
