Description
This Easy Meatball Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender shellbow pasta, savory meatballs, and vibrant red bell peppers, all smothered in a rich red sauce. Topped with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this baked casserole is a cheesy delight with every bite. It’s an ideal meal for busy weeknights, offering a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of Italian-inspired flavors. Serve it hot and watch it become a household favorite!
Ingredients
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
Boil Pasta: Cook the shellbow pasta until al dente (partially cooked, still firm). Drain and set aside.
Prepare Casserole Dish: Spread 1 cup (1/4 of the sauce) at the bottom of a casserole dish. Arrange the meatballs evenly across the dish.
Add Veggies & Ricotta: Evenly distribute the diced red bell pepper and dollops of ricotta cheese across the casserole dish.
Add Cheese: Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese evenly over the dish.
Add Pasta & Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta with the remaining red sauce and spread this mixture over the top of the casserole.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the pasta and sauce.
Bake: Cover the dish with tin foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan if desired and serve hot. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy meatball pasta bake!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 550