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Meatballs and Pasta Bake

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Meatballs and Pasta Bake: A Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food

If you’re craving a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s both easy to make and full of flavor, look no further than Meatballs and Pasta Bake. This dish combines tender, juicy meatballs with perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in rich marinara sauce and melted cheese. It’s a classic Italian-inspired recipe that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the dinner table, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a cozy meal at home.

In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple recipe for Meatballs and Pasta Bake, providing tips and tricks to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love Meatballs and Pasta Bake

  • Comforting and Hearty: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining hearty meatballs, pasta, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal.
  • Family-Friendly: With its familiar ingredients and flavors, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s a great way to get your family to enjoy a home-cooked meal.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble this dish ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.
  • Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary preferences or needs by swapping ingredients or adding extras like vegetables or different types of cheese.

Ingredients:

For this Meatballs and Pasta Bake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (you can also use a mix of ground pork and beef for added flavor)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup milk (to moisten the breadcrumbs)
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil (for frying)

For the Pasta Bake:

  • 8 oz penne or ziti pasta (you can use any pasta shape you prefer)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Fresh basil or parsley (chopped, for garnish)

How to Make Meatballs and Pasta Bake

Follow these simple steps to make your Meatballs and Pasta Bake from start to finish:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to keep the meatballs tender.

Form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1-1.5 inches in diameter. You should end up with around 18-20 meatballs, depending on the size.

In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the oven. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the meatballs are cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne or ziti pasta according to the package instructions, usuall

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