Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our penne and meatball casserole, a heartwarming dish that combines the comforting flavors of classic Italian cuisine with the convenience of a casserole. This all-in-one meal features tender penne pasta, succulent meatballs, a rich and flavorful tomato sauce, and a gooey layer of melted cheese. Whether you're cooking for a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy night in, this penne and meatball casserole is sure to be a hit. Our recipe provides step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process, ensuring a delicious and satisfying meal. Additionally, we've included a vegetarian variation for those who prefer a meatless option, as well as a slow-cooker recipe for those who want to enjoy a hassle-free meal. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Let's cook with our recipes!
PENNE AND MEATBALL CASSEROLE
A tasty pasta and meatball casserole.
Provided by kelclrk
Categories Meat and Poultry Recipes Turkey Ground Turkey Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 2
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat a baking sheet and a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes.
- Meanwhile, combine bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, egg substitute, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and garlic powder in a bowl. Crumble turkey on top and mix well. Shape mixture into 1/2-inch balls and place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven until no longer pink in the centers, 9 to 11 minutes. Drain off excess grease.
- Drain penne. Combine baked meatballs with spaghetti sauce in a bowl. Spoon 1/2 the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 1/2 of the cooked penne, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese, plus 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers. Cover with a glass lid or aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 25 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 409.7 calories, Carbohydrate 39.8 g, Cholesterol 62.9 mg, Fat 13.4 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 31.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.1 g, Sodium 1050 mg, Sugar 10.9 g
MEATBALL PASTA BAKE
This easy-to-make baked meatball pasta bake is better than lasagna!
Provided by Karla Harmer
Categories Noodle Casserole
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- 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.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake until cheese starts to turn golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 701.4 calories, Carbohydrate 76.6 g, Cholesterol 107.6 mg, Fat 25.7 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 38.1 g, SaturatedFat 10.9 g, Sodium 1276.8 mg
PENNE AND MEATBALLS ALL'ARRABBIATA
A spicy homemade red pasta sauce paired with penne pasta and big meatballs. Really a palate-pleaser for the spice enthusiast.
Provided by Amy
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta
Time 1h25m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Mix beef, panko, 1/4 cup parsley, egg white, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl until combined. Form mixture into 12 meatballs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet; pan-fry meatballs in hot oil until browned on all sides, about 7 to 10 minutes. Remove meatballs from heat.
- Heat olive oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven or a large skillet over medium heat. Cook and stir mushrooms in hot oil until tender, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low and add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook and stir until garlic is golden, about 5 minutes more. Stir canned and fresh tomatoes into mushrooms and season with salt.
- Drop meatballs into tomato sauce and stir in sugar; bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until sauce is reduced and meatballs are no longer pink in the center, about 45 minutes.
- Meanwhile, fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. Stir in penne and return to a boil. Cook pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta.
- Stir penne pasta into meatball sauce; toss to coat. Stir pasta water into mixture if sauce becomes too dry. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup parsley to serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 608.5 calories, Carbohydrate 68.3 g, Cholesterol 34.3 mg, Fat 29.5 g, Fiber 4.2 g, Protein 21.8 g, SaturatedFat 6.5 g, Sodium 184.2 mg, Sugar 6.9 g
Tips:
- Soak the bread crumbs in milk before adding them to the meatballs. This will help to bind the meatballs together and make them more tender.
- Use a combination of ground beef and ground pork for the meatballs. This will give them a more flavorful and juicy texture.
- Don't overmix the meatball mixture. Overmixing can make the meatballs tough.
- Brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the casserole. This will help to develop their flavor and prevent them from becoming dry.
- Use a variety of vegetables in the casserole, such as carrots, celery, onions, and bell peppers. This will add color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
- Simmer the casserole for at least 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve the casserole with a side of pasta or rice.
Conclusion:
Penne and meatball casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious and satisfying casserole that the whole family will enjoy.
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