Meatball Pasta Bake

4.7
(11)
10 Reviews
7 Photos

This easy-to-make baked casserole is better than lasagna!

Submitted by Karla Harmer
Updated on August 23, 2023
meatball pasta bake
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
45 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
8
Yield:
1 pasta bake
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings

  • 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta

  • 1 ½ pounds frozen cooked meatballs, thawed

  • 2 (28 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

  • ⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes less than the package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta.

  2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.

  3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add marinara sauce and ricotta cheese; mix to combine. Add cooked pasta and mix to combine. Season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

  4. Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of sauce without meatballs. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Add another layer of sauce with meatballs on top and sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Add another layer of 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the sauce and meatball mixture on top, followed by remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.

  5. Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 30 minutes.

  6. Remove foil and bake until cheese starts to turn golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

You can use any short pasta for this recipe (e.g., penne, rigatoni, etc.). If you like, sprinkle extra cheese on top to serve.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

701 Calories
26g Fat
77g Carbs
38g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8
Calories 701
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26g 33%
Saturated Fat 11g 55%
Cholesterol 108mg 36%
Sodium 1277mg 56%
Total Carbohydrate 77g 28%
Dietary Fiber 7g 26%
Protein 38g 76%
Potassium 1029mg 22%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.