"Meatball pasta bake pasta al forno" is a mouthwatering dish that blends the flavors of succulent meatballs, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese. This classic Italian dish is a favorite among pasta lovers, and with good reason. The combination of the juicy meatballs, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It's perfect for a family dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you want to indulge in a hearty and comforting meal.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MEATBALL PASTA BAKE (PASTA AL FORNO)
Make a comforting meatball pasta bake to feed the family. Inspired by Italian flavours and made with wholewheat pasta, it's a fabulous, filling meal
Provided by Good Food team
Categories Dinner, Main course, Pasta, Supper
Time 1h
Yield Serves 4-6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Mix the grated onion, 1 crushed garlic clove, mince, breadcrumbs, milk, parmesan and parsley in a large bowl. Season well with salt and pepper. Mash the mixture together with your hands until combined. Mould the mix into small balls (about walnut-sized) with damp hands. There will be about 20 meatballs.
- Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a deep frying pan and fry the meatballs for 6-8 mins until golden brown all over. Fry in batches if you need to - they don't need to be cooked through, just browned on the outside. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in the pan and fry the chopped onion for 5 mins until softened. Add the remaining garlic, fry for another minute, then add the chopped tomatoes and simmer for 10 mins until thickened and the tomatoes have broken down. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta for 5 mins less than the pack instructions state, in boiling salted water. Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
- Stir the meatballs into the tomato sauce, adding a splash of water if too thick, and bring to a simmer. Drain the pasta and tip into an ovenproof dish. Pour over the sauce and meatballs and mix well. Stir in most of the mozzarella, then scatter the remaining over the top. Bake for 15-20 mins until the cheese is golden and bubbling, and the top is slightly crisp.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 606 calories, Fat 28 grams fat, SaturatedFat 12 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 52 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 10 grams sugar, Fiber 8 grams fiber, Protein 33 grams protein, Sodium 0.7 milligram of sodium
PASTA AL FORNO
Steps:
- For the sauce: Cover the bottom of a medium saucepan with oil and garlic and cook over medium heat until garlic browns. Add sauce, basil, salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 15 minutes.
- For the pappardelle pasta: Make a bed of all-purpose flour, then make a well and add eggs. Fold all together, adding in more flour if needed, and knead until a dough ball is formed, then set aside and cover for 30 minutes.
- Run dough through a pasta sheeter to form pappardelle pasta (broad flat noodles).
- For the meatballs: Combine the beef, pork, veal, panko, Parmesan, salt, pepper and eggs in a bowl. Mixture should be on the drier side. If need be, add more panko. Form quarter-size meatballs. Heat a medium frying pan with oil and fry each meatball to a golden brown color.
- For the pasta al forno: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add sauce to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish, along with the ricotta. Stir together, then add mozzarella and the meatballs. Let the cheese melt down.
- Meanwhile, drop the pasta into boiling salted water for about 7 minutes. Strain and add to the baking dish. Mix around, then bake in oven for 10 minutes.
SPAGHETTI MEATBALL BAKE RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: bolognese sauce, water, fresh egg pasta, grated cheddar cheese, fresh basil, lean ground beef, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, salt, pepper
Provided by Tasty
Categories Dinner
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6.
- Mix all of the meatball ingredients together into a large bowl, then form into 14 golfball-sized balls.
- Combine the full jar of sauce and half a jar of water together in a large bowl.
- Stir in the spaghetti until it's fully coated in the sauce.
- Spread the coated spaghetti into a casserole dish then top with the meatballs.
- Cover and bake in the centre of the oven for 18-20 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the cheese and grill/broil for a further 5-7 minutes uncovered, until the cheese is melted and stringy and the top of the meatballs are brown.
- Sprinkle over the basil and serve immediately.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 539 calories, Carbohydrate 46 grams, Fat 23 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 32 grams, Sugar 2 grams
MEATBALL PASTA BAKE
This is a comforting dish to serve to the family and can be made in advance ready to reheat the next day. Both the meatballs and the sauce can be made in advance and chilled in the fridge until ready to assemble and cook. Or the whole dish can be made and frozen for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
Provided by English_Rose
Categories Penne
Time 1h
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Set the oven to 350°F.
- Cook the pasta in boiling water for 10 mins until just tender but still with a little bite.
- Mix together the beef, egg, oregano, 1oz of the breadcrumbs and season well with salt and pepper.
- Mix well and shape into about 20 meatballs.
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the meatballs for about 10 mins, turning occasionally until browned.
- Add the red pepper, pasta sauce and the beef broth or red wine. Bring to the boil.
- Stir the drained pasta into the meatballs and pour into a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle with the breadcrumbs, mozzarella and thyme and bake until golden and bubbling.
- Serve with a large green salad and crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 769.3, Fat 30.7, SaturatedFat 11.4, Cholesterol 149.7, Sodium 593.3, Carbohydrate 84.3, Fiber 9.9, Sugar 2.5, Protein 38.6
Tips:
- Use a variety of meats: Using a combination of different meats, such as ground beef, pork, and sausage, adds depth and flavor to the meatballs.
- Season the meatballs well: Don't be afraid to use plenty of herbs and spices to flavor the meatballs. Some good options include garlic, onion, parsley, oregano, and basil.
- Cook the meatballs thoroughly: Make sure the meatballs are cooked all the way through before adding them to the pasta sauce. This will help to prevent foodborne illness.
- Use a flavorful pasta sauce: The pasta sauce is a key component of this dish, so make sure to use one that you enjoy. A simple tomato sauce or a creamy Alfredo sauce are both good options.
- Don't overcook the pasta: The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help to prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Top the pasta bake with cheese: A layer of cheese on top of the pasta bake will help to brown and crisp it up in the oven. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or a combination of both are all good options.
- Let the pasta bake rest before serving: Allow the pasta bake to rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
Conclusion:
Meatball pasta bake is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a family meal. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With a few simple tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying pasta bake that everyone will enjoy.
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