Description
This hearty Meatball Pasta Bake combines tender shellbow pasta, savory meatballs, and a rich red sauce, layered with creamy ricotta and melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Baked until bubbly and golden, this comforting casserole is perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Shellbow Pasta
- 16 ounces shellbow pasta
Red Sauce
- 24 ounces red sauce
Meatballs
- 24 ounces meatballs
Cheeses
- 10–12 ounces ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Boil Noodles: Cook the shellbow pasta in boiling water until al dente, meaning the pasta should be cooked through but still firm to the bite, not mushy or fully soft. Drain and set aside.
- Layering: Spread one-quarter of the red sauce evenly on the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Add Meatballs and Vegetables: Arrange the meatballs over the sauce layer, then scatter the diced red bell pepper evenly across the meatballs.
- Dollop Ricotta Cheese: Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the red bell peppers and meatballs for a creamy texture.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the casserole, covering the ricotta and vegetables to create a cheesy layer.
- Add Noodles: Mix the cooked shellbow pasta with the remaining red sauce until well combined. Then layer this sauced pasta evenly over the cheese layer in the casserole dish.
- Final Cheese Layer: Top the sauced noodles with the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese, spreading it evenly for a rich and golden finish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish tightly with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes. Bake until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden. Remove foil toward the end if you want a crispier cheese crust.
Notes
- Parboiling the pasta prevents it from becoming mushy during baking; it will finish cooking and absorb sauce in the oven.
- You can substitute meatballs with cooked sausage or ground beef if preferred.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
- Use a casserole dish approximately 9×13 inches to fit all ingredients comfortably.
- Let the pasta bake rest for about 5 minutes after baking to allow it to set for easier serving.
