Meatball Pasta Bake
Description
This easy-to-make baked meatball pasta casserole with layers of marinara sauce and 3 different types of cheese is better than lasagna!
Ingredients
•
1 (16 ounce) package ziti pasta
•
1 1/2 pounds frozen cooked meatballs, thawed
•
2 (28 ounce) jars prepared marinara sauce
•
1 cup ricotta cheese
•
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
•
1 teaspoon garlic powder
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3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
•
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Directions
1
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.
2
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish.
3
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.
4
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.
5
Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, 20 to 30 minutes.
6
Remove foil and bake until cheese starts to turn golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Enjoy!