Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

This Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is the definition of cozy, satisfying comfort food. With juicy homemade meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy three-cheese sauce, it’s a family-friendly dinner that’s easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this casserole will quickly become a go-to favorite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Classic flavor combination of meatballs, pasta, and cheese

• Creamy, cheesy sauce that coats every bite

• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved

• Freezer-friendly and ideal for meal prep

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Meatballs:

• 500g ground beef – Rich and juicy, perfect for flavorful meatballs.

• 1 onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.

• 2 garlic cloves, minced – Brings bold, savory flavor.

• 1 cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind and tenderize the meatballs.

• 1 egg – Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture.

• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasoning.

For the Pasta Bake:

• 500g pasta (farfalle or other short variety) – Holds the sauce well and adds texture.

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Melts beautifully for gooey texture.

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Adds sharp, bold flavor.

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated – For rich, salty finishing touches.

• 2 cups heavy cream – Forms the base of the luscious cheese sauce.

• 2 tablespoons butter – Adds creaminess and richness.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – Used for sautéing or adding depth to the sauce.

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley – Adds color and a fresh flavor contrast.

Tips for Best Results

• Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

• Customize the cheese: Swap in gouda, Monterey Jack, or provolone for different flavor profiles.

• Add vegetables: Sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work well in the mix.

• Use store-bought meatballs for a quick shortcut.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze assembled or baked casserole (tightly wrapped) for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through.

Variations

• Spicy twist: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce.

• Italian-style: Swap cheddar for provolone and serve with marinara instead of cream sauce.

• Low-carb version: Use cooked cauliflower instead of pasta for a keto-friendly dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, all work beautifully in meatballs.

Is there a way to make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese slightly for a lighter version.

Can I use pre-cooked frozen meatballs?
Absolutely. Just heat them through before baking with the pasta and sauce.

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

---

• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake – The ultimate comfort food! Juicy homemade meatballs, tender pasta, and a creamy triple-cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal that’s weeknight-easy but tastes like a feas

Advertisements

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500g ground beef

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 egg

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 500g pasta (farfalle, penne, or rotini work best)

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 cups heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (divided)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

• Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

• In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.

• Roll the mixture into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

• Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Set aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

• Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions.

• Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.

• Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and half the parmesan cheese.

• Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.

• Spread the cooked pasta evenly in the dish.

• Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat.

• Arrange the meatballs on top.

• Sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.

5. Bake

• Bake the casserole at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Garnish and Serve

• Let the dish cool for 5 minutes.

• Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot

Notes

This Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is the perfect weeknight casserole that satisfies every craving. With gooey cheese, savory meatballs, and tender pasta all in one dish, it’s the ultimate family comfort meal

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?