Meatball And Cheese Bake

For the Bake

• Pasta: 12 ounces (penne or rigatoni)
• Marinara sauce: 3 cups (homemade or store-bought)
• Mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded
• Provolone cheese: 1 cup, sliced
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Basil leaves: Fresh, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, egg, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
2. Mix the ingredients gently with your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
3. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the meatballs for 15–20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through.

2. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions.
3. Drain the pasta and toss it with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Assemble the Bake

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a large baking dish.
3. Layer half of the cooked pasta over the sauce.
4. Arrange the baked meatballs evenly on top of the pasta.
5. Spoon the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese.
6. Add the remaining pasta as another layer.
7. Cover the top with sliced provolone and the rest of the mozzarella cheese.

Please Head Over To Next Page There Still More ,,,