Description
This Cheesy Meatball Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Juicy homemade meatballs, tender rigatoni, rich marinara sauce, and loads of melted mozzarella come together in one bubbling, golden baked dish. Perfect for family dinners or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz uncooked rigatoni pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves chopped garlic
- 1 small chopped onion
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs for 4–5 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook rigatoni pasta until al dente. Drain and toss with marinara sauce.
- Layer half of the pasta in the baking dish, top with half of the meatballs, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Repeat layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use high-moisture mozzarella for better melting.
- Undercook pasta slightly before baking to prevent mushiness.
- Let dish rest before serving for easier slicing and better texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg