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Meatball Pasta Bake
Ingredients
- 1package ziti pasta
- 1 ½ lbfrozen cooked meatballs
thawed
- 2jars prepared marinara sauce
- 1 cricotta cheese
- 1 tspitalian seasoning
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- 3 cshredded mozzarella cheese
divided
- ⅝ cgrated parmesan cheese
divided
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes less than the package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta.
- 2
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
- 3
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add marinara sauce and ricotta cheese; mix to combine. Add cooked pasta and mix to combine. Season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- 4
Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of sauce without meatballs. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Add another layer of sauce with meatballs on top and sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Add another layer of 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the sauce and meatball mixture on top, followed by remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.
- 5
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 30 minutes.
- 6
Remove foil and bake until cheese starts to turn golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Meatball Pasta Bake
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate comfort food experience of a cheesy, saucy baked pasta dish without all the fuss? This incredibly easy Meatball Pasta Bake delivers robust Italian flavors and layers of gooey cheese, rivaling even your favorite lasagna with a fraction of the effort. The brilliance of this recipe lies in its smart use of convenience items, like frozen cooked meatballs and prepared marinara, which dramatically cuts down on prep time. But it's the strategic layering of three distinct cheeses—creamy ricotta, melting mozzarella, and sharp Parmesan—that truly elevates it, creating a rich, deeply satisfying casserole experience that feels homemade and special, all while being easier than traditional baked pasta dishes. Prepare your palate for a symphony of comforting textures and tastes. Each generous serving of this meatball pasta bake features perfectly cooked ziti, enveloped in a vibrant marinara sauce. Throughout, you'll discover tender, flavorful meatballs, complemented by the luxurious creaminess of ricotta cheese seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder. A generous blanket of mozzarella cheese melts into a golden-brown top, pulling apart with a satisfying stretch, while grated Parmesan adds a final savory flourish. This dish offers a hearty, deeply flavorful meal that’s incredibly satisfying and surprisingly straightforward to achieve. This adaptable baked pasta is fantastic for personalization. If you prefer, experiment with different short pasta shapes such as rigatoni or penne. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding finely chopped fresh basil or oregano to the marinara sauce before layering. You could also mix in a handful of sautéed vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for added nutrition and color, or even try a spicier marinara for a subtle kick. Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd, a cozy family dinner, or bringing to a potluck, this Meatball Pasta Bake is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish. Serve it warm with a crisp green salad and some garlic bread to complete your Italian-inspired feast.