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This Meatball Pasta Casserole is comfort food at its finest. Imagine juicy meatballs nestled in layers of pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. It's a dish that brings everyone to the table, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck with friends. Simple ingredients, easy steps, and a whole lot of flavor. Let's get cooking!
The name of the recipe: Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 beaten egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb cooked pasta
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove from heat.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of cooked pasta, followed by a layer of marinara sauce, meatballs, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
What You Will Need
Read more: Meatball and Bow Tie Pasta Casserole Recipe
What you will need to make meatball pasta casserole
- Ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty flavor and protein, forming the base of the meatballs for a hearty casserole.
- Breadcrumbs: Adds texture and helps bind the meatballs, ensuring they hold together during cooking.
- Beaten egg: Acts as a binder, keeping the meatballs firm and preventing them from falling apart.
- Marinara sauce: Brings a tangy, savory element to the dish, coating the pasta and meatballs with delicious flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy topping that complements the meatballs and pasta.
- Cooked pasta: Serves as the foundation of the casserole, absorbing the flavors of the sauce and meatballs.
Tools and Instruments Needed
What tools/instruments will be needed to make Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper into a uniform meatball mixture.
- Skillet: Necessary for browning meatballs evenly on all sides before baking.
- Baking dish: Used to layer pasta, sauce, meatballs, and cheese for baking the casserole.
- Oven: Required to bake the casserole until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Spatula: Handy for flipping meatballs in the skillet and spreading layers in the baking dish.
Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
A hearty and delicious meatball pasta casserole that's perfect for family dinners.
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Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Dish
- Mixing bowl
- Skillet
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Egg beaten
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 cups Marinara Sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
- 1 lb Pasta cooked
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove from heat.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of cooked pasta, followed by a layer of marinara sauce, meatballs, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes:
Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
Read more: Meatball Alfredo Casserole Recipe
Nutrition value:
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 3mg
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Make Ahead and Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead Instructions
- Prepare meatballs and cook them as directed.
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Assemble casserole but don't bake.
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Store in fridge for up to 24 hours.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble casserole without baking.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thaw in fridge overnight before baking.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 40-50 minutes.
For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of red wine to the marinara sauce before layering the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ:
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
How do I prevent the meatballs from falling apart?
Make sure to mix the ingredients well and don't skip the egg and breadcrumbs; they help bind everything together.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
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