Mini Meatball Pasta Bake

A pasta bake is just as delicious as lasagna, but without all the work of layering the ingredients. It’s perfect for weeknights, potluck dinners, or any time you want a comforting Italian-American style meal. Best of all, it takes less than an hour to make.

Our version contains no cheese or dairy whatsoever — we love how Garlic Gold® flavors the whole dish! With a crunchy topping of our Original Nuggets, you’ll never miss the cheese (though of course, you can add some if you prefer).

Serve your pasta bake piping hot with a big green salad alongside. Comfort food is served!

By Coco Morante, Recipe Editor for Garlic Gold®

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne or ziti pasta
• 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup Garlic Gold® Nuggets, divided
• 1/4 cup Garlic Gold® Oil
• 1 (25-ounce) jar marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Put a large pot of water on the stove and boil the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta in a large colander and set aside.
2. While the pasta water is coming to a boil, preheat the oven to 400ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef with red pepper flakes, oregano, breadcrumbs, water, and two tablespoons of the Garlic Gold® Nuggets. Mix with your hands until everything is evenly combined.
4. Roll the beef mixture into mini meatballs and place them on the baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through and beginning to brown.
5. Drizzle the Garlic Gold® Oil into a 9” x 13” baking dish, covering the bottom and sides.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meatballs with the drained pasta and marinara sauce. Pour into the baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, until piping hot.
7. Sprinkle the top of the pasta bake with the remaining two tablespoons of Garlic Gold® Nuggets and serve hot.

Yield:

Serves 8