Description
Hearty meatball pasta bake delivers comfort through rich Italian-inspired layers of cheesy goodness. Savory meat, melted cheese, and marinara sauce blend perfectly for a satisfying meal that welcomes hungry diners to the table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 24 oz (680 g) meatballs
- 10–12 oz (283–340 g) ricotta cheese
- 2 cups (226 g) mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- 16 oz (454 g) shellbow pasta
- 24 oz (680 g) red sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain completely and set aside.
- Sauce Foundation: Spread marinara sauce across the bottom of a casserole dish, creating an even, vibrant base layer.
- Protein and Vegetable Layering: Arrange meatballs uniformly, intersperse diced crimson bell peppers, and dot with creamy ricotta cheese dollops.
- Cheese Infusion: Generously blanket the initial layers with a harmonious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Pasta Integration: Toss cooked pasta in remaining marinara sauce, then carefully distribute over the cheese and meatball foundation.
- Final Cheese Topping: Crown the dish with an abundant layer of mozzarella and Parmesan, promising a golden, bubbling surface.
- Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, removing foil in the final moments to create a crisp, golden crust.
- Serving Presentation: Allow the pasta bake to rest briefly, then garnish with an extra Parmesan sprinkle and serve steaming hot.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a delightful texture in the final dish.
- Sauce Coverage: Spread marinara sauce generously across the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking and add extra flavor depth.
- Cheese Distribution: Strategically place ricotta and sprinkle mozzarella-Parmesan blend for maximum melting and flavor integration.
- Resting Magic: Allow the baked pasta to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let flavors meld and make serving easier and more cohesive.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg