Best 7 Mini Meatball Pasta Bake Recipes

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Satisfy your appetite with a delectable mini meatball pasta bake, a culinary symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This hearty dish combines tender mini meatballs, succulent pasta, a velvety sauce, and a symphony of herbs and spices, creating a flavorful masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or treating yourself to a comforting meal, this recipe promises an unforgettable culinary experience. So, fire up your oven, gather your ingredients, and prepare to embark on a taste adventure like no other!

Let's cook with our recipes!

MINI MEATBALL PASTA BAKE



Mini meatball pasta bake image

This meatball pasta bake is a super-easy family meal that uses a small amount meat but lots of veg. Swap the homemade meatballs for ready-made if you like.

Provided by Justine Pattison

Categories     Main course

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

250g/9oz beef mince (around 15% fat)
50g/1¾oz dry white breadcrumbs
1 tsp dried oregano
3 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
150g/5½oz button mushrooms, halved
1 red and 1 yellow pepper, seeds removed, cut into 2cm/¾in chunks
1 courgette, cut into 2cm/¾in chunks
2 garlic cloves, crushed
400g can chopped tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato purée
400ml/14fl oz vegetable stock, made with 1 stock cube
1 bay leaf
225g/8oz dried pasta shapes, such as penne or fusilli
100g/3½oz cheddar, grated
salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Mix the mince with the breadcrumbs, half the oregano, 4 tablespoons of cold water, a good pinch of salt and lots of pepper. Form into 16 small balls.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a frying pan and fry the meatballs for 5 minutes, turning regularly.
  • Meanwhile, heat the remaining oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion, mushrooms, peppers and courgette for 8-10 minutes, or until softened and beginning to brown, stirring regularly. Add the garlic and cook for a few seconds more, stirring constantly.
  • Tip the tomatoes into the pan and stir in the tomato purée, stock, remaining oregano and the bay leaf. Add the meatballs and bring to a simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and lots of pepper.
  • Meanwhile, half-fill a large saucepan with water and bring to the boil. Add the pasta to the water and return to the boil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally
  • Preheat the grill to high. Drain the pasta and return to the pan. Add the tomato and meatball sauce and toss. Transfer to a warmed, 2-litre/3½-pint shallow ovenproof dish - a lasagne dish is ideal.
  • Sprinkle the cheddar over the top and place under the hot grill for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted, then serve.

BAKED MEATBALL AND PASTA CASSEROLE



Baked Meatball and Pasta Casserole image

This is one of those super easy delicious weeknight meals. The pasta actually is cooked in the oven to add flavor. You can use homemade meatballs or precooked frozen meatballs. Yummy!

Provided by MCsOnTheSquare

Categories     Weeknight

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

14 ounces frozen precooked meatballs (Approximately 27 Meatballs)
24 ounces pasta sauce
2 cups water
1 green bell pepper, Diced
1 onion, Diced
1 tablespoon butter
2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, Uncooked
1 teaspoon italian seasoning
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 Degrees and Grease a 3 Quart Casserole Dish.
  • Melt the 1 TBSP Butter over medium heat and add the green bell pepper and onion. Cook until tender, approximately 5 minutes.
  • Pour the jar of pasta sauce, the 2 cups of water, the package of frozen meatballs, the 2 1/2 cups of uncooked macaroni, 1 TSP Italian Seasoning directly into the casserole dish. Add the onion and green pepper. Stir all ingredients until combined.
  • Bake covered for 45 minutes at 375 Degrees. Remove from oven after the 45 minutes is up and sprinkle the 2 Cups of Mozzarella and 1/4 Cup of Parmesan Cheese over the top. Place back in the oven uncovered and broil on high for around 3 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly.
  • This will make 4 Huge Servings or 6 Normal Servings. Freezes Well!
  • Enjoy and always let you kitchen be your favorite restaurant!

BAKED RIGATONI WITH MINI MEATBALLS



Baked Rigatoni with Mini Meatballs image

For individual portions, place small, shallow baking dishes (each holding about 2 1/2 to 3 cups) on a rimmed baking sheet. Divide the pasta mixture among them; top with cheese, then bake and broil.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dinner Recipes

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3/4 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed, formed into 3/4-inch meatballs
4 cloves garlic, minced (5 teaspoons)
1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled tomatoes with their juices, pureed in a food processor
1/2 pound rigatoni
1/2 pound mozzarella, 1/2 cup cut into small cubes, the rest thinly sliced

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil in a straight-sided skillet over medium-high. Add meatballs and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, 45 seconds. Add pureed tomatoes and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain pasta; return to pot and toss with sauce and cubed cheese.
  • Transfer mixture to an 8-inch square baking dish; cover with parchment-lined foil. Bake until bubbling, 15 minutes. Uncover; top with sliced cheese. Adjust oven to broil; cook until cheese is melted and golden brown, about 2 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes and serve.

MINI MEATBALLS



Mini Meatballs image

I don't remember where I found this recipe - I've made it so often, I've memorized it. The trick to these meatballs is to only plan to use half of them - that's all I ever have left by the time I'm ready to put them in something else. It's the only time I've ever had ground beef melt in my mouth.

Provided by Seedbeads

Categories     Meat

Time 20m

Yield 40-48 meatballs

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix really well.
  • Roll meat into 1" balls- at this point, you can either continue or freeze them for later use, providing your beef wasn't pre-frozen.
  • Arrange the meatballs on a rack over a foil-lined pan (for easy clean-up).
  • Bake in a 400ºF oven for about 10 minutes, or until meatballs are browned- you can also freeze them at this point, or use them in other dishes (or just eat them plain).

MINI-MEATBALL CASSEROLE



Mini-Meatball Casserole image

Italian-style wedding soup marries the ingredients in this one-dish dinner.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 package (8 oz) sliced fresh mushrooms (3 cups)
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 cans (18.5 oz each) Progresso™ Traditional Italian-style wedding soup
1 bag (12 oz) frozen cut green beans
1/4 cup whipping cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup Progresso™ plain bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F. In 12-inch skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms; cook 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
  • Meanwhile, place colander or strainer over medium bowl; pour both cans of soup into colander. Reserve meatball and pasta mixture.
  • Add soup liquid and green beans to skillet; cook over medium-high heat 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are crisp-tender and liquid is reduced by half.
  • In small bowl, beat whipping cream and flour with wire whisk until blended. Pour into skillet, stirring constantly, until well blended. Heat to boiling; boil 1 minute. Add meatball mixture to skillet; heat to boiling. Pour into ungreased 8-inch square (2-quart) glass baking dish.
  • In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter; sprinkle over meatball mixture.
  • Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly and crumbs are golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390, Carbohydrate 35 g, Cholesterol 65 mg, Fat 3 1/2, Fiber 4 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 13 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1230 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1/2 g

MEATBALL PASTA BAKE (PASTA AL FORNO)



Meatball pasta bake (pasta al forno) image

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

1 large onion , ½ grated, ½ finely chopped
3 garlic cloves , crushed
400g beef mince
50g fresh breadcrumbs
3 tbsp milk
25g parmesan , finely grated
½ small bunch of parsley , finely chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
2 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes
350g undefined
2 x 125g balls mozzarella , drained and cut into cubes

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

MEATBALL CASSEROLE



Meatball Casserole image

The mini meatballs in this dish have lots of flavor and give you plenty per serving. If you're cooking for more than two, simply double the recipe and bake in an 8-in. x 8-in. baking dish. Cook until cheese is nice and melted. Anu Riley - Boise, Idaho

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

3/4 cup uncooked whole wheat penne pasta
2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 tablespoons egg substitute
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon onion powder
Dash salt
Dash garlic powder
1/4 pound lean ground turkey
3/4 cup marinara sauce or meatless spaghetti sauce
1/4 cup 2% cottage cheese
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, egg substitute, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt and garlic powder. Crumble turkey over mixture and mix well., Shape into 1/2-in. balls; place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 9-11 minutes or until no longer pink. , Drain pasta and meatballs. In a small bowl, combine meatballs with marinara sauce. Spoon half of mixture into a 1-qt. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Top with half of the pasta, cottage cheese and mozzarella; sprinkle with 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers., Cover and bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 453 calories, Fat 12g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 804mg sodium, Carbohydrate 55g carbohydrate (14g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 30g protein.

Tips:

  • For the best results, use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
  • If you don't have any Italian seasoning, you can use a blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
  • To make the meatballs more flavorful, add some grated Parmesan cheese or bread crumbs to the meat mixture.
  • If you don't have any marinara sauce, you can use your favorite pasta sauce.
  • Be sure to cook the meatballs all the way through before adding them to the pasta bake.
  • If you want a cheesy pasta bake, add some shredded mozzarella cheese to the top before baking.
  • Serve the pasta bake with a side of garlic bread or a salad.

Conclusion:

Mini Meatball Pasta Bake is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It is a great way to use up leftover meatballs or pasta sauce. This dish is also a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables. The meatballs are packed with flavor and the pasta is cooked to perfection. The cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is rich and flavorful. This dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

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