meatball and pasta bake

Name: Meatball and Pasta Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon(s) butter; 16 ounce(s) meatballs (homemade or pre-packaged); 1/2 large Vidalia onion, diced; 2 tablespoon(s) minced garlic; 1/2 large green bell pepper, diced; 1 can(s) black olives (6 oz); 43 ounce(s) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought); 16 ounce(s) spiral or penne pasta; 1 teaspoon(s) salt (more/less to taste); 1 teaspoon(s) pepper (more/less to taste); 1 - 2 cup(s) shredded mozzarella

(3 RATINGS)

110 Pinches 11 Photos

Kayla & Rileigh V

DALLAS, GA

Updated on Nov 12, 2025

My daughter loves to help make this, as well as devour it!

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Meatball and Pasta Bake ready to be served.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This meatball and pasta bake is an easy dinner that utilizes pantry and premade meatballs. Between the meatballs, pasta, and cheese, it's a super filling, flavorful meal. There's plenty of sauce to keep the casserole from being dry. Black olives are a surprise and add another layer of flavor and texture. If you don't love black olives, leave them out. The onion, garlic, and diced bell peppers add a ton of flavor. Delicious served with garlic bread and a side salad.

— The Test Kitchen

prep time 20 Min

cook time 1 Hr 15 Min

method Bake

yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 tablespoon butter
16 ounces meatballs (homemade or pre-packaged)
1/2 large Vidalia onion, diced
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/2 large green bell pepper, diced
1 can black olives (6 oz)
43 ounces marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
16 ounces spiral or penne pasta
1 teaspoon salt (more/less to taste)
1 teaspoon pepper (more/less to taste)
1 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella

How To Make meatball and pasta bake

Step 1

In a large skillet, add butter to melt over medium heat. Put the meatballs in the pan to brown the sides for 8 to 10 minutes.

Step 2

Add diced onions and bell peppers to the pan with the meatballs to saute (5 minutes).
Step 3

Turn the heat down a little and add black olives and marinara sauce. Salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 4

Boil pasta while meatballs and marinara simmer.
Step 5

Mix cooked pasta with the sauce.
Step 6

Spread into a 9x13 baking dish.
Step 7

Cover and bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Step 8

Uncover and sprinkle shredded mozzarella to cover. Place back in the oven uncovered and bake for 8 to 10 more minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 10 minutes, and serve.
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Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 715 kcal, carbohydrates: 73 g, cholesterol: 89 mg, fat: 32 g, fiber: 7 g, protein: 34 g, saturated fat: 13 g, sodium: 2092 mg, sugar: 12 g, unsaturated fat: 19 g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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