A Meatballs and Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
1 pound ground beef
0.5 pounds ground pork (or all beef, if preferred)
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta:
3 cups macaroni or other small pasta
2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 2.5 to 3.75 cm in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While the meatballs are baking, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish:
In a large glass baking pan, combine the cooked macaroni, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Mix gently to combine, then place the baked meatballs on top of the pasta.
Add additional marinara sauce over the meatballs if desired.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil if desired.
This Meatballs and Pasta Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce is always a hit. Enjoy!