Best 2 Meatball Pasta Bake Recipes
Indulge in a culinary delight with our tantalizing Meatball Pasta Bake, a harmonious blend of classic Italian flavors and modern convenience. This delectable dish features tender and juicy meatballs nestled in a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, all baked to perfection atop a bed of al dente pasta. The tantalizing aroma of garlic, basil, and oregano fills the air as this dish emerges from the oven, promising a symphony of flavors. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for creating both the meatballs and the tomato sauce from scratch, ensuring a homemade touch that will impress your family and friends.
In addition to the main Meatball Pasta Bake recipe, this article offers a delightful collection of variations to suit diverse preferences. For a vegetarian twist, try the Meatless Meatball Pasta Bake, which swaps out the traditional meatballs for protein-packed lentils and vegetables, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish. If you're short on time, the One-Pot Meatball Pasta Bake streamlines the cooking process by combining all the ingredients in a single pot, making it a weeknight savior.
For those who love a creamy twist, the Creamy Pesto Meatball Pasta Bake incorporates a luscious pesto sauce, adding a vibrant green hue and a nutty, herbaceous flavor to the dish. And for those who enjoy a touch of heat, the Spicy Meatball Pasta Bake infuses the tomato sauce with a blend of chili flakes and cayenne pepper, creating a dish that packs a flavorful punch.
No matter which recipe you choose, the Meatball Pasta Bake is a versatile and customizable dish that can be tailored to your unique tastes. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this article provides all the guidance and inspiration you need to create a memorable and delicious meal.
MINI MEATBALL PASTA BAKE
Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 2h35m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- For the meatballs: Add the ground beef, sausage, oats, Parmesan, parsley, dried oregano, milk, egg and some salt and pepper to a bowl and mix together well with your hands. Roll into approximately 48 meatballs (1 inch) and place on a baking sheet.
- To brown the meatballs, heat some olive oil in a heavy pot or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in 3 batches and cook, turning, until brown, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Remove and drain on paper towels after each batch. Set the meatballs aside.
- For the sauce: In a separate skillet or pot, heat some olive oil. Add the garlic and onion and cook until translucent, a few minutes. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, hot water, parsley, sugar and some salt and pepper. Next, add the meatballs and stir to combine. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes. Stir in the basil, then set aside to cool.
- For the layering: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- To assemble: Spoon some cooled sauce on the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch dish. Layer on half of the pasta, half the sauce and meatballs and then half the mozzarella cubes. Repeat the layers once more and top the dish with the grated Parmesan.
- If serving immediately, baked in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until the cheese is golden and bubbly, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.
- If serving later, cover the assembled dish and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until the cheese is golden and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Let cool slightly and serve.
MEATBALL & PASTA BAKE
My daughter loves to help make this, as well as, devour it!
Provided by Kayla & Rileigh V
Categories Casseroles
Time 1h5m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- 1. In a large skillet add butter to melt over medium heat.
- 2. Put meatballs in pan to brown sides. (8 to 10 minutes)
- 3. Add diced onions and bell peppers to pan with meat balls to saute. (5 minutes)
- 4. Turn heat down a little and add black olives and marinara sauce. Salt and pepper to taste. (simmer for 10 minutes)
- 5. Boil pasta while meatballs and marinara simmer.
- 6. Mix everything in and 9x13 baking dish and cover. Place into a pre-heated oven at 350 degrees. (bake for 30 minutes)
- 7. Uncover and sprinkle shredded mozzarella to cover and place back in oven uncovered. (bake for 8 to 10 more minutes)
- 8. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes and serve.
Tips:
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for a more flavorful meatball.
- Add some grated Parmesan cheese to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Use a large pot to cook the meatballs so that they don't overcrowd and cook evenly.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use a variety of cheeses in the pasta bake, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan, for a gooey and flavorful dish.
- Serve the pasta bake with a side of garlic bread or a salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion:
This meatball pasta bake is a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for a family dinner or a potluck. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked to perfection. The combination of cheeses makes this dish gooey and irresistible. With a few simple tips, you can make this recipe your own and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal.
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