Best 3 Penne And Meatball Casserole Recipes

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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



Penne and Meatball Casserole image

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

cooking spray
¾ cup uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons egg substitute
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
1 dash salt
1 dash garlic powder
¼ pound lean ground turkey
¾ cup meatless spaghetti sauce
¼ cup low-fat (2%) cottage cheese
¼ cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

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



Meatball Pasta Bake image

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

1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
1 ½ pounds frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
2 (28 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

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



Penne and Meatballs All'Arrabbiata image

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

1 pound ground beef chuck
½ cup panko bread crumbs
¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 egg white
salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 ½ fluid ounces extra-virgin olive oil
¾ cup sliced white button mushrooms
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 fresh tomatoes, diced
salt to taste
2 teaspoons white sugar
1 (16 ounce) box penne pasta
¼ cup chopped flat-leaf parsley

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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