Description
A hearty and comforting Meatball Pasta Casserole with juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a cozy family meal, this casserole combines savory flavors with tender pasta for a dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
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2 tsp Sunflower oil
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340g Meatballs
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1 Onion, peeled and chopped
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3 Cloves of garlic, peeled and chopped
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300g Mushrooms, sliced
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400g Tinned chopped tomatoes
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1/2 tsp Chilli flakes
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2 tsp Sweet smoked paprika
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750ml Vegetable stock
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4 tbsp Tomato puree
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250g Pasta
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150g Mozzarella
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Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large ovenproof skillet or casserole dish, heat the sunflower oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes until they begin to release their moisture.
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Stir in the tinned chopped tomatoes, chilli flakes, sweet smoked paprika, vegetable stock, and tomato puree. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes.
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Add the pasta to the mixture and stir until well combined. Gently fold the meatballs back into the casserole.
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Cover with a lid or foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the pasta is cooked through.
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Remove from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella on top of the casserole. Return to the oven for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
You can use any type of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, but make sure it’s cooked al dente before mixing it with the sauce.
For a vegetarian version, swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives or skip them entirely for a veggie-only casserole.
The casserole can be topped with fresh basil or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: meatball casserole, pasta casserole, cheesy pasta, baked pasta, comfort food, casserole recipe