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Meatballs and Pasta Casserole

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Ingredients
  

  • For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 lb 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 tbsp dried parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp 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
 

  • Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure even cooking.
  • 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, taking care not to over-mix to keep the meatballs tender.
  • Form the mixture into meatballs, about 2.5 to 3.75 cm in diameter, yielding 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.
  • Tip: Over-mixing can make the meatballs tough, so mix gently until just combined.
  • Cook the Pasta:
  • While the meatballs are baking, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy when baked in the casserole.
  • 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 coat the pasta evenly with sauce and cheese.
  • Place the baked meatballs on top of the pasta mixture. For extra sauciness, add additional marinara sauce over the meatballs if desired.
  • Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy, golden finish.
  • Bake the Dish:
  • Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil to keep the casserole moist. 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.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
  • Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil if desired.
  • Tip: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes makes it easier to serve.