🍝🧆 Ultimate Baked Pasta with Meatballs & Tomato Cream Sauce: Comfort Food Magic! 🧀✨

February 20, 2025

Imagine tender meatballs, al dente pasta, and a creamy tomato sauce baked under a golden blanket of cheese—this dish is pure comfort in every bite! Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping, this Baked Pasta with Meatballs is easy, indulgent, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let’s bake some happiness!

Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🌟

Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Meatballs + pasta + creamy sauce = universal love.
Meal Prep Hero: Assemble ahead and bake when ready—great for busy days!
Customizable: Use store-bought meatballs or swap in plant-based alternatives.
Leftover Savior: Cleans out the fridge (hello, extra veggies or cheese!).

Ingredients (Serves 4-6) 🧾

For the Meatballs:

450g (1 lb) ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
⅓ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper

For the Sauce & Pasta:

400g (14 oz) rigatoni (or penne/ziti)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
800g (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
250ml (1 cup) heavy cream
1 tsp sugar (optional)
1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tsp dried basil

For Assembly:

200g (2 cups) shredded mozzarella
50g (½ cup) grated Parmesan
Fresh basil, to garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳

1. Prep the Meatballs

Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Roll into 20-24 small meatballs.
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 mins or pan-sear until golden.

2. Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Tomato Cream Sauce

Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion until soft (5 mins), add garlic, and cook 1 min.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, cream, sugar, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 10 mins.

4. Assemble & Bake

In a greased baking dish, layer:
➔ ½ pasta → ½ sauce → ½ meatballs → ½ mozzarella.
➔ Repeat layers, ending with Parmesan on top.
Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25-30 mins until bubbly and golden.

5. Garnish & Serve

Let rest 5 mins, then top with fresh basil.

Pro Tips for the Best Bake 💡

Meatball Hack: Bake instead of fry for less mess and even cooking.
Sauce Consistency: Too thick? Add ½ cup pasta water. Too thin? Simmer longer.
Cheese Mix: Blend mozzarella with provolone or fontina for extra gooeyness.
Crispy Top: Broil 2-3 mins at the end for a golden crust!

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving) 📊

Calories: ~650
Protein: 35g | Carbs: 55g | Fat: 30g
Rich in: Calcium (40% DV), Iron (25% DV), Vitamin A (20% DV)
Indulgent yet balanced with protein and veggie-packed sauce!

Serving Tips 🥖🥗

Classic Pairings: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted broccoli.
Elegant Twist: Serve with a glass of Chianti and a charcuterie board.
Leftovers: Reheat in the oven to keep the cheese crispy!

Time to Bake & Enjoy! 🎉

This Baked Pasta with Meatballs is your secret weapon for cozy dinners, potlucks, or impressing guests. Rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying—it’s comfort food at its finest.

👩🍳 Made this recipe? Tag us in your cheesy, saucy photos—we’ll feature you! 📸

👉 Want more crowd-pleasers? Subscribe for weekly recipes + a FREE 7-Day Family Dinner Plan! 🎁

Love this? Try these next!