Introduction
This comforting dish is a simple and delicious oven-baked pasta loaded with juicy meatballs and melted cheese. Perfect for busy days, it comes together quickly and bakes into a hearty, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
500 g fusilli or any pasta
400 g frozen or homemade meatballs
2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
1 small onion finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente then drain
In a pan heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft
Add marinara sauce Italian seasoning salt and pepper then simmer for 5 minutes
In a baking dish spread the cooked pasta evenly
Place the meatballs on top of the pasta
Pour the sauce over everything making sure it’s well covered
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top
Method
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes
Remove foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired
Benefits
Rich in protein from the meatballs
Comforting and filling meal for the whole family
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Nutrition
Calories around 450 to 550 per serving
Protein high
Carbohydrates moderate from pasta
Fat moderate depending on cheese and meat used
Tips
Use homemade meatballs for extra flavor
Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for a healthier twist
Swap pasta with whole wheat for more fiber
For extra creaminess add a bit of cream to the sauce
Conclusion
This cheesy meatball pasta bake is the ultimate comfort food easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or sharing with loved ones.