Baked Penne Pasta with Meatballs Recipe
This baked penne recipe has tender pasta baked in meat sauce, topped with delicious Italian meatballs and mozzarella cheese. It’s always a huge hit with the entire family!
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 309kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 medium onions diced
- 3 tablespoons garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 24 ounces spaghetti sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 15 large meatballs homemade or store bought, thawed if frozen
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cook penne pasta to al dente, according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the onions and cook until soft and light golden brown. Next, add the minced garlic and cook while stirring for about 2 more minutes.
- Add the ground beef and cook until only a little pink shows, or about 7-8 minutes, then add spaghetti sauce and mix until combined.
- Remove from the heat and add the cooked pasta into the tomato and meat sauce, stirring until combined. Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and mix to combine.
- Spray a 9" x 13" baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and add the pasta mixture, then top with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place the meatballs evenly around the baking dish, pressing them in gently.
- Bake uncovered in a 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes minutes, or until the cheese on top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Storing Instructions: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Unbaked pasta bake can be covered and stored frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
To reheat: reheat in a preheated 350 degree oven by adding a little extra spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 309kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 529mg | Potassium: 150mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 220IU | Vitamin C: 3.7mg | Calcium: 301mg | Iron: 2.2mg