Description
Easy Pasta Bake with Mostaccioli and Meatballs is a comforting, cheesy casserole made with tender pasta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 12 oz mostaccioli pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb frozen or pre-cooked meatballs
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook mostaccioli pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in marinara sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and meatballs to the skillet, stirring to coat everything in the sauce.
- Transfer the pasta and meatballs to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.
Notes
- You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Try mixing in sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 60mg