Baked Penne Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
48 mins
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Total Time
58 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
508 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Baked Penne Casserole
Description
Baked Penne Casserole brings together cooked penne pasta and baked meatballs in a blend of marinara sauce, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, and sautéed onion and garlic, enhancing the sauce's depth. After combining, the casserole is topped with shredded mozzarella and baked until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through, resulting in a comforting and filling dish with textured pasta and tender meatballs.
The casserole suits family meals and can be garnished with parsley for freshness. It can be prepared with either store-bought or homemade meatballs, which includes ingredients like ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings, providing a personalized touch to the dish.
Homemade meatballs can be rolled and baked ahead of time. Baking the meatballs separately before combining with pasta ensures thorough cooking and controls fat content, where excess fat can be drained if needed. The casserole can be reheated, making it suitable for leftovers.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta cooked al dente
- 1 pound meatballs or recipe below, prepared
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 24 ounces marinara sauce or pasta sauce
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juices, fire-roasted
- 1 tablespoon parsley or 1 teaspoon dried, chopped, fresh
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place meatballs in a 9x13 pan and bake 20 minutes (or according to recipe or package directions).
- Meanwhile, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook 4-5 minutes or until softened.
- Remove the meatballs from the oven. Drain fat if there is a lot in the bottom, if there is a little bit you can leave it for flavor.
- Add cooked penne, and remaining ingredients to the 9x13 pan with the meatballs. Stir to combine.
- Top with cheese and bake an additional 20 minutes or until heated through. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Homemade meatballs can be prepared in advance and baked for 20 to 22 minutes at 375°F until fully cooked.
- Drain excess fat from baked meatballs if there is a significant amount, or leave a small amount for added flavor.
- Use either homemade or store-bought marinara sauce based on preference or convenience.
- Garnish with fresh parsley after baking for added color and freshness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 508 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 6g | |
| Calories | 508 | 25% |
| Carbohydrates | 54g | 18% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 58mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 883mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 765mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 902IU | 18% |
| Vitamin C | 12mg | 13% |
| Calcium | 244mg | 24% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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