Lazy Meatball Pasta Bake
A simple and comforting Lazy Meatball Pasta Bake made with ruffled pasta, jarred marinara, frozen mini meatballs, and a creamy ricotta cheese mixture—all baked together in one dish for an effortless family meal.
8 Servings
Ingredients
For the Pasta Bake
- 1 lb short ruffled pasta reginetti, radiatore, campanelle, or gigli
- 1 jar 24–28 oz marinara sauce
- 3 to 3½ cups water see note in instructions
- 1 lb fully cooked frozen mini meatballs
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley optional
For the Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup ricotta
- 1½ cups 6 oz shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup 2 oz grated Parmesan
- 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches full temperature before baking.
Prepare the Pasta Base
- Place the uncooked ruffled pasta into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour in the marinara sauce and the appropriate amount of water (3½ cups if using a 24-ounce jar of sauce, or 3 cups if using a 28-ounce jar). Stir thoroughly to ensure the pasta is fully coated and evenly distributed.
Cover and Bake
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, making sure all edges are sealed to prevent steam from escaping. Transfer the dish to the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the pasta is fully cooked.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- While the pasta bakes, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Add Cheese Mixture and Meatballs
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully discard the foil. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, distribute the cheese mixture in small dollops evenly over the pasta. Scatter the frozen mini meatballs evenly around the surface.
Bake Uncovered
- Reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C). Return the uncovered baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are heated through, the cheese topping has melted, and the edges are lightly browned.
Rest and Serve
- Allow the pasta bake to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, if desired, and portion onto individual plates.
Notes
This Lazy Meatball Pasta Bake can be made fully gluten-free with a few adjustments:
- Use certified gluten-free ruffled pasta.
- Ensure the marinara sauce is labeled gluten-free, as certain brands may contain additives derived from wheat.
- Choose gluten-free frozen mini meatballs or prepare homemade gluten-free meatballs.
- Verify that all cheese and seasoning blends are gluten-free to avoid hidden gluten sources.