Go Back
Homemade Cheesy Meatball Sub Pasta Bake recipe photo
Print Recipe Save it for later

Cheesy Meatball Sub Pasta Bake

This Cheesy Meatball Sub Pasta Bake is a cozy, shareable dish combining tender meatballs, marinara, pasta, and melty mozzarella for the ultimate comfort meal.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef preferably lean
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs plain or Italian seasoned
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked pasta penne or rigatoni works best
  • 2 cups marinara sauce choose your favorite jarred or homemade
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Turkey bacon cooked and crumbled, optional topping
  • Olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly incorporated but do not overmix, or the meatballs will be tough.
  • Using your hands, form the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides until they develop a nice crust, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since they’ll finish baking in the casserole.
  • While the meatballs are browning, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  • In a large bowl or directly in your prepared baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce. Gently fold in the browned meatballs so they’re evenly distributed.
  • Grease your baking dish with olive oil. Pour the pasta, meatballs, and sauce mixture into the dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, sprinkle the cooked, crumbled turkey bacon on top.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
  • Let the pasta bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly, making it easier to scoop out hearty portions. Pair it with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Baking sheet or skillet
  • Large Pot
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • Do not overmix the meatball mixture to keep them tender and avoid toughness.
  • Brown the meatballs before baking to add depth of flavor and better texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent a mushy pasta bake.
  • Grease the baking dish well to avoid sticking and make serving easier.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze before adding cheese topping.