How to Make Meatball Pasta Bake - A Step-by-Step Guide

There's something incredibly comforting about a hearty pasta bake, and when it's loaded with juicy meatballs, it becomes even more satisfying. This meatball pasta bake recipe is a delicious combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and al dente pasta, all topped with melted cheese. It's a dish that's sure to please the entire family and is perfect for gatherings or meal prepping for the week.

What makes this meatball pasta bake so special is the tender, flavorful meatball...

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Ingredients

  • 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

Information

  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hr
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 1 pasta bake

  • 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

    701 cal.

    • Total Fat: 26g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 108mg
    • Sodium: 1277mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 77g
    • Dietary Fiber: 7g
    • Protein: 38g
    • Potassium: 1029mg