Ingredients
– 16 oz ziti, penne, or rigatoni pasta forms the baked pasta base so sauce and meatballs cling well
– 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce provides the rich tomato flavor and moisture for baking
– 1 lb frozen pre-cooked Italian meatballs or homemade meatballs adds juicy protein and classic Italian flavor
– 8 oz mozzarella cheese, fresh or shredded melts into the signature cheesy topping
– 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional) adds bright, fresh aroma right before serving
– 1 lb ground beef the main meat for tender, savory meatballs
– 1 tablespoon minced garlic boosts flavor in every bite
– 1 beaten egg helps bind the meatballs so they hold together
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce deepens the savory flavor and adds complexity
– ½ cup Italian bread crumbs helps structure and keep meatballs juicy
– ½ cup grated Parmesan adds bold umami and a classic Italian taste
– Salt and pepper to taste seasons the meatballs to your preference
Instructions
1-First Step: Cook the pasta until just before al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. This helps prevent soggy pasta after baking.
2-Second Step: Simmer marinara sauce over medium heat in a skillet. Add meatballs, coat in sauce, and simmer for about 5 minutes so everything warms through and flavors mingle.
3-Third Step: Combine meatballs and sauce with pasta. Mix gently so meatballs stay intact and the sauce coats every piece.
4-Fourth Step: Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and top evenly with mozzarella cheese. Cover the whole surface so the cheesy pasta bake stays moist.
5-Fifth Step: Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. If your bake looks like it needs a bit more color, you are close.
6-Sixth Step: Optionally broil at 450°F for 2 to 3 minutes to brown the cheese. Watch closely so it does not go from golden to overly dark.
7-Final Step: Serve hot and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top. Let it rest briefly so the layers settle for easier serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍝 Cook pasta under al dente so it stays firm after baking – no mushy texture!
❄️ Thaw frozen meatballs first to prevent watering down the sauce.
🧀 Generously cover with mozzarella to keep everything moist and irresistibly cheesy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of bake
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1400mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg