Meatballs and Pasta Bake

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until fully combined.

Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage as they will continue cooking in the oven.

2. Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Assemble the Bake:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom.

Add the cooked pasta to the dish and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top. Stir to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Nestle the browned meatballs into the pasta and sauce mixture.

Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

4. Bake:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

5. Serve:
Let the bake rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Serving and Storage Tips