- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes until browned but not fully cooked (they will finish baking later).
2. Cook the Pasta
- While the meatballs are baking, cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
- Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add marinara sauce, basil, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Assemble the Pasta Bake
- In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with half of the sauce.
- Nestle the meatballs into the pasta.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serving: Enjoy warm with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Assemble the dish (without baking), cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 45 minutes.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Variations & Customizations
- Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ricotta cheese for a creamier texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes! Use frozen or pre-made meatballs and adjust the baking time accordingly.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best because it holds the sauce well.
3. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
4. How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta slightly under al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
continued on next page
