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Cheesy Italian Meatballs and Pasta

Cheesy Italian Pasta and Meatballs is pure comfort food! Tender and juicy meatballs baked in an easy homemade marinara sauce and cheesy pasta for the perfect meatball pasta!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 759 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

PASTA SAUCE
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
MEATBALLS
  • 1 slice bread crust removed and cut into very small pieces
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound ground beef
CHEESY PASTA
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta cooked

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.  Start cooking your pasta. 
  2. In a large bowl combine the ingredients for the pasta sauce and set aside.  
  3. In a large bowl combine the bread and milk.  Add the Parmesan, eggs, garlic, Italian seasoning salt and pepper and stir well to combine.  Add in the ground beef and mix to combine.  Don't overmix or your meatballs can become tough.  Form into twelve 2 inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet.  Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and reduce heat to 375 degrees F.   
  4. While the meatballs are cooking prepare the cheesy pasta.  In a large 12 inch cast iron pan or other oven going skillet cook the onion, garlic and butter until the onion starts to soften.  Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.  Stir in the milk and cook over medium low heat until it starts to thicken.  Remove from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese.  Stir in the cooked and drained pasta.  Top with reserved pasta sauce.  Place meatballs on top then sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.  Bake for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is melted.   

Notes

  • For make ahead tips see post.

Nutrition Information

Calories 759kcal (38%) Carbohydrates 54g (18%) Protein 44g (88%) Fat 40g (62%) Saturated Fat 21g (105%) Cholesterol 190mg (63%) Sodium 961mg (40%) Potassium 986mg (28%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 13g (26%) Vitamin A 1350IU (27%) Vitamin C 15.5mg (17%) Calcium 643mg (64%) Iron 5.6mg (31%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 759

% Daily Value*

Calories 759kcal 38%
Carbohydrates 54g 18%
Protein 44g 88%
Fat 40g 62%
Saturated Fat 21g 105%
Cholesterol 190mg 63%
Sodium 961mg 40%
Potassium 986mg 21%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 13g 26%
Vitamin A 1350IU 27%
Vitamin C 15.5mg 17%
Calcium 643mg 64%
Iron 5.6mg 31%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.