Baked Penne and Meatball Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1. 1 lb ground beef or a mix of beef and pork
2. 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
3. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4. 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
5. 1 large egg
6. 2 cloves garlic, minced
7. Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

1. 1 lb penne pasta, cooked al dente
2. 4 cups marinara sauce
3. 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
4. 1 cup ricotta cheese
5. 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
6. Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cooking Steps:

For the Meatballs:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
4. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside.

For the Casserole:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne with marinara sauce.
3. In a baking dish, layer half of the penne and sauce mixture.
4. Arrange half of the meatballs over the pasta, then dollop half of the ricotta cheese over the meatballs.
5. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Repeat the layers with the remaining penne, meatballs, ricotta, and mozzarella.
7. Finish by sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling, and the cheese is golden and melted.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Enjoy the comforting goodness of Baked Penne and Meatball Casserole, a satisfying dish that brings together the best of pasta, meatballs, and melted cheese in every bite.