Transform your dinner routine with this hearty Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake, featuring layers of juicy meatballs, creamy cheese blend, tender noodles, and rich tomato sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a comforting dish reminiscent of lasagna but with the ease and appeal of cheesy meatballs. If you’re keen to expand your meatball repertoire, why not give my classic meatball or chicken meatball recipes a try?
Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake Recipe
This dish is loaded with flavor and is incredibly straightforward to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight meal. You can opt for store-bought ingredients for convenience or make everything from scratch for a more hands-on approach.
Ingredients and Preparation
- Meatballs: Use ready-made meatballs for convenience or homemade for that personal touch. Ensure they are thawed and precooked if you’re short on time.
- Egg Noodles: Both store-bought and homemade egg noodles are excellent in this bake.
- Spaghetti Sauce: A jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce works wonders here, or you might want to use a homemade version for added depth of flavor.
How to Serve and Store
This pasta bake is a hit straight from the oven and can comfortably serve a large family. If you have leftovers, they reheat wonderfully in individual portions, making them perfect for a quick meal later on.
Freezing Instructions
For making ahead, assemble the casserole in an aluminum foil tray and freeze before baking. This makes your Meatball Pasta Bake perfect for storing longer-term or for giving as a thoughtful meal to a friend.
Ingredients for Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake
Cheese Mixture
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (227 g), softened
- Ricotta Cheese: ½ cup (120 g)
- Milk: ¾ cup (180 ml)
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups (226 g), shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup (55 g), grated
- Dried Basil: ½ teaspoon
- Dried Parsley: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Pasta
- Egg Noodles: 12 ounces (340 g), cooked al dente
Meatball Layer
- Meatballs: 40, fresh or frozen (thawed if frozen and precooked)
- Spaghetti Sauce: 24 ounces (680 g)
Toppings
- Mozzarella Cheese: 1 ½ cups (170 g), freshly grated
- Parsley: for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (177°C).
Prepare the Noodles:
- Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain.
Mix the Cheeses:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, ricotta, milk, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Add the warm noodles and mix well.
Assemble the Dish:
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
- Spread the cheesy noodle mixture at the bottom.
- Arrange meatballs evenly over the top.
- Pour spaghetti sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with additional mozzarella.
Bake:
- Place in the oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the dish is heated through and cheese is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Enjoy this delicious twist on traditional meatball dishes, where each forkful delivers creamy, cheesy, and meaty flavors!
