Easy Meatball Pasta Bake

Easy Meatball Pasta Bake: A Cheesy and Comforting Family Favorite

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to prepare, this Easy Meatball Pasta Bake is just the ticket. Packed with tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and gooey cheese, all smothered in a rich red sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. The best part? It comes together in just under an hour, making it a convenient and satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Easy Meatball Pasta Bake:

• 16 ounces shellbow pasta
• 24 ounces red sauce
• 24 ounces meatballs
• 10–12 ounces ricotta cheese
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Begin by cooking 16 ounces of shellbow pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, which means the pasta is partially cooked and still firm. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

2. Prepare the Casserole Dish

1. Layer the Sauce and Meatballs:
   Spread 1 cup (about 1/4 of the 24-ounce jar) of red sauce evenly across the bottom of a casserole dish. Then, arrange 24 ounces of meatballs evenly across the dish.

3. Add Veggies and Ricotta

1. Distribute the Bell Pepper and Ricotta:
   Evenly scatter the diced red bell pepper over the meatballs. Then, add dollops of 10–12 ounces of ricotta cheese across the dish, ensuring each scoop is well distributed.

4. Add the Cheese

1. Layer the Mozzarella and Parmesan:
   Sprinkle half of the 2 cups of mozzarella cheese and all of the 1 cup of Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish. This will create a deliciously cheesy base for the pasta.

5. Add Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix and Layer the Pasta:
   In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the remaining red sauce until the pasta is well coated. Spread this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
2. Top with More Cheese:
   Finish by sprinkling the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta and sauce mixture.

6. Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake:
   Cover the casserole dish with tin foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes. The dish is ready when the meatballs are cooked through, and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.

7. Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy meatball pasta bake with family and friends!

Conclusion

This Easy Meatball Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to please. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious, hearty meal that’s guaranteed to satisfy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 35-40 minutes | Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Calories: 550 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings

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