1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Meatballs:
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 20-24 meatballs.
Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
3. Cook the Pasta:
While the meatballs are baking, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Dish:
In a large glass baking pan, combine the cooked macaroni, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Gently mix to combine, then place the baked meatballs on top of the pasta.
Pour additional marinara sauce over the meatballs if desired.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
5. Bake the Dish:
Cover the baking pan with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and slightly crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with additional fresh parsley or basil if desired.
This Meatballs and Pasta Bake is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and flavorful marinara sauce is always a hit. Enjoy!
