Meatball Pasta Bake

This easy-to-make baked meatball pasta casserole with layers of marinara sauce and 3 different types of cheese is better than lasagna!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 45 mins
• Total Time: 60 mins
• Calories: 701 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 2 (28 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
• 1.5 pounds frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
• 0.67 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 30 minutes.

Step 2

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add ziti and cook, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes less than the package instructions, about 8 minutes. Drain pasta.

Step 3

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.

Step 4

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add marinara sauce and ricotta cheese; mix to combine. Add cooked pasta and mix to combine. Season with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.

Step 5

Cover the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of sauce without meatballs. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella cheese on top. Add another layer of sauce with meatballs on top and sprinkle with 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Add another layer of 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Add the rest of the sauce and meatball mixture on top, followed by remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil.

Step 6

Remove foil and bake until cheese starts to turn golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!