easy pasta bake with mostaccioli and meatballs

Author of this recipe: Clemente Mcannally

Easy Mostaccioli & Meatball Bake | Pasta, Meatballs, Baked Dinner, One-Pot Meal, Comfort Food

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Ingredients

• - **Easy Pasta Bake Ingredients**
• - Mostaccioli Pasta (12 oz / 340g)
• - Ground Beef (8 oz / 225g) - for classic meatballs or as a base
• - Marinara Sauce (16 oz / 450ml)
• - Homemade or Store-Bought Meatballs (optional, 1 pound / 450g)
• - Fresh Parmesan Cheese (3/4 cup)
• - Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded or sliced)
• - Salt and Pepper to Taste
• - Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon) - for added flavor
• - Italian Seasoning (1 teaspoon) - enhances the pasta bake's taste
• - Olive Oil (2 tablespoons) - for cooking meatballs or sautéing garlic
• - Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish) - optional but adds freshness
• **SEO-friendly Keywords:** easy pasta bake, mostaccioli recipe, meatball pasta bake, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, homemade meatballs, parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese

Steps

1. ### Easy Pasta Bake with Mostaccioli and Meatballs Recipe
3. #### Introduction
4. Looking for an easy pasta dish to make? Try this delicious pasta bake with mostaccioli and meatballs! This recipe is perfect for a comforting family meal or a quick dinner idea. Follow the steps below, filled with SEO-friendly formatting and relevant keywords, to create a mouthwatering dish that's sure to please.
6. #### Ingredients
8. - 500g mostaccioli pasta
9. - 4 large meatballs (or homemade)
10. - 2 cups marinara sauce
11. - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12. - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14. - Salt and pepper, to taste
15. - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
17. #### Instructions
19. **Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs**
20. - Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
21. - If using store-bought meatballs, ensure they are at room temperature. For homemade meatballs, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, onion, and seasonings in a bowl. Mix well until combined but avoid overmixing.
22. - Place the meatballs on an oven-safe tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15 minutes or until they reach a golden brown color.
24. **Step 2: Cook the Pasta**
25. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the mostaccioli pasta.
26. - Cook according to package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. Ensure not to overcook; you want al dente pasta for this dish.
27. - Drain the pasta and set it aside.
29. **Step 3: Assemble the Pasta Bake**
30. - In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
31. - Add your cooked mostaccioli pasta evenly over the sauce.
32. - Place the meatballs in between and around the pasta. Pour more marinara sauce over everything to cover.
33. - Sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
35. **Step 4: Bake**
36. - Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
37. - Once done, remove from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
39. **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
40. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
41. - Serve hot straight from the oven, making this an ideal dish for chilly evenings.
43. #### Tips and Variations
44. - **For a healthier option**, reduce fat by using leaner meat or adding vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini to your meatball mixture.
45. - **Add depth with herbs**. Incorporate oregano, thyme, or rosemary into the marinara sauce for extra flavor.
46. - **Experiment with sauces**. Use alfredo, pesto, or creamy garlic sauce instead of marinara for a unique twist.
48. By following these steps and tips, you’ll create a delectable pasta bake that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy this easy, comforting meal while keeping your culinary skills sharp.

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• easy pasta bake with mostaccioli and meatballs