When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with Cheesy Meatball Pasta. This hearty dish combines the best of Italian-American cuisine, featuring savory ground beef meatballs enveloped in a velvety, cheesy sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. The marriage of flavors and textures in this dish creates a satisfying experience that warms the soul and fills the belly. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot pasta meal can be prepared quickly and easily, making it a favorite among families seeking delicious, easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
2 cups marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined and form into 1-inch meatballs.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
In the same skillet, add marinara sauce and heavy cream, and stir to combine. Add Italian seasoning and simmer for 4-5 minutes.
Add the cooked pasta and meatballs into the sauce and stir gently to coat. Adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Transfer the mixture into a large baking dish, sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese, and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
