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Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

This comforting Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is perfect for any night of the week. Made with homemade meatballs and pasta sauce, this pasta bake is a family favorite that is always hits the spot.
5 from 22 votes
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Dinner
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 ½ teaspoons parsley fresh or dried
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce

Pasta Sauce

  • ½ large onion small diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 29 ounces tomato sauce
  • 2 (14 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • To Taste pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons dried basil

Other Ingredients

  • 10 ounces mini penne pasta or your choice
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese shredded
I always use Kosher salt in my kitchen! If using table salt, start with half the amount and adjust to taste, as it is much "saltier" by volume.

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine all of the meatball ingredients.  Mix well to combine.  
  • Portion into 25 equal meatballs.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.  Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides.  Remove from the pan and place on a paper-towel lined plate.
  • Pour off the fat left in the skillet, reserving about 2 tablespoons.  Reduce heat to medium.

Pasta Sauce

  • Add the onions to the skillet and sauté until tender.  Next add in the minced garlic and cook for 30 more seconds.
  • Now pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes, reduce the heat to low.  Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano and basil.  Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.  
  • While the sauce is simmering cook the pasta to al dente and preheat an oven to 375°F.
  • Once the pasta sauce is done simmering, mix in the pasta and meatballs.  Pour into a 9x13 baking dish and cover with the cheese.
  • Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.  Enjoy!
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