Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake.

1. Step 1

   Start by bringing a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil.

2. Step 2

   Once boiling, toss in the ziti pasta and cook it for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Step 3

   You want it to be just shy of al dente, so aim for about 3 minutes less than what the package suggests.

4. Step 4

   After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.

5. Step 5

   While the pasta is cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 13x9 inch baking dish to ensure your delicious creation doesn’t stick.

6. Step 6

   Next, grab a skillet and heat a splash of oil over medium heat.

7. Step 7

   Add your thawed meatballs and cook them until they’re beautifully browned on all sides, which should take around 5 minutes.

8. Step 8

   Once they’re golden, stir in the marinara sauce and ricotta cheese, mixing everything together until it’s well combined.

9. Step 9

   Now, gently fold in the cooked pasta, and season the mixture with a sprinkle of Italian seasoning and garlic powder for that extra flavor kick.

10. Step 10

    To assemble your dish, start by spreading a layer of sauce (without meatballs) on the bottom of your prepared baking dish.

11. Step 11

    Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the sauce, creating a cheesy foundation.

12. Step 12

    Next, add a generous layer of the meatball sauce mixture, followed by a sprinkle of 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese.

13. Step 13

    Repeat this process with another layer of 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, then pour the remaining meatball sauce on top.

14. Step 14

    Finish off with the last cup of mozzarella cheese and another 1/3 cup of Parmesan cheese for that irresistible cheesy crust.

15. Step 15

    Don’t forget to cover the dish with aluminum foil to keep all those flavors locked in.

16. Step 16

    Now it’s time to bake! Place your dish in the preheated oven and let it bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

17. Step 17

    For that perfect golden finish, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes.

18. Step 18

    Once it’s beautifully browned and irresistible, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few moments before diving in.

19. Step 19

    Enjoy every cheesy, meaty bite of this comforting ziti bake!.