Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meatballs
This Cheesy Baked Pasta with Meatballs combines everything you love about Italian comfort food — hearty pasta, savory meatballs, and bubbly cheese baked to golden perfection.
It’s a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead-friendly dinner that’s perfect for cozy nights or casual gatherings.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
½ lb (225 g) ground beef
½ lb (225 g) ground chicken or turkey (or use all beef)
1 egg
¼ cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tbsp chopped parsley or basil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning
For the Sauce
2 cups marinara sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp chili flakes
½ tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta Bake
8 oz (225 g) penne, rigatoni, or ziti pasta
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup ricotta or cream cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix ground meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
Roll into small 1-inch meatballs and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions).
Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add garlic, and sauté 30 seconds.
Pour in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and chili flakes.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes, season to taste, then add the baked meatballs.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
In a large bowl, combine pasta, meatballs with sauce, and ricotta (if using).
Transfer to a greased baking dish.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Step 5: Bake
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes & Tips
Make it extra creamy: Mix a little cream or béchamel into the sauce before baking.
For crispy cheese: Broil the top for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Meal prep tip: Assemble ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Vegetable add-ins: Spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms blend in beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes — just thaw first and simmer in the sauce before baking.
Q: Can I make it without an oven?
Yes — you can cook the pasta and sauce together in a pan, top with cheese, and cover until melted.
Q: What’s the best cheese mix?
Mozzarella for stretch, Parmesan for flavor, and ricotta for creaminess.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 4g