Creamy Baked Meatball Pasta Casserole

 

🔥 Creamy Baked Meatball Pasta Casserole – A Heartwarming Comfort Dish! 🔥

Tender, seasoned meatballs served over pasta smothered in a rich creamy sauce, baked until bubbly and golden. Perfect for an easy, satisfying family dinner! ✅

👉Ingredients:

🔹 For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or beef/lamb mix)

½ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

2 tbsp finely chopped onion

2 garlic cloves, minced

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp chopped parsley (optional)

🔹 For the Pasta & Sauce:

10 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or any short pasta)

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups warm milk

1 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or mix)

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Extra cheese for topping (optional)

👉Instructions:

↪️ Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. In a bowl, mix all meatball ingredients well.

2. Shape into small, even-sized meatballs.

3. Pan-fry until browned on the outside (they’ll finish cooking in the oven). Set aside.

↪️ Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (partially cooked). Drain.

↪️ Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

2. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux.

3. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth.

4. Add heavy cream, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

5. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens.

▶️ Assemble & Bake:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Toss pasta with creamy sauce in a baking dish.

3. Arrange meatballs evenly on top.

4. Sprinkle extra cheese if desired.

5. Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes.

6. Remove foil and bake another 5–10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

🔥 Tips:

🔹️Don’t fully cook pasta; it will finish cooking in the oven. 

🔹️Add sautéed mushrooms or cooked spinach for extra flavor. 

🔹️Prep ahead by assembling and refrigerating, then bake when ready.