Should I defrost the meatballs before using?

Not at all! Use them right from the freezer. They’ll fully cook through while the pasta bakes.

Can fresh meatballs replace frozen ones?

Of course! But keep in mind, fresh ones cook faster, so you might need to reduce baking time a little.

What if my pasta is still undercooked after baking?

Just pour in a quarter cup of water, cover, and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes. Add the cheese after the pasta’s soft.

Can I prep this dish in advance?

Absolutely! Put it together without the cheese, cover it up, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you bake it, add 10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chill.

What can I serve alongside this meal?

A crunchy salad, some warm garlic bread, or even steamed veggies pair perfectly. It’s filling enough solo, though!

Comforting One-Pan Meatball Bake

Category: Meals for Every Occasion

Toss everything into one pan, bake, and you've got a cozy, no-mess dinner that'll have everyone asking for seconds!

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By Ana

Updated on Sun, 29 Jun 2025 13:13:36 GMT

Comforting One-Pan Meatball Bake | homebitesbyana.com

Recipe FAQs

→ Should I defrost the meatballs before using?: Not at all! Use them right from the freezer. They’ll fully cook through while the pasta bakes.
→ Can fresh meatballs replace frozen ones?: Of course! But keep in mind, fresh ones cook faster, so you might need to reduce baking time a little.
→ What if my pasta is still undercooked after baking?: Just pour in a quarter cup of water, cover, and let it bake for another 10-15 minutes. Add the cheese after the pasta’s soft.
→ Can I prep this dish in advance?: Absolutely! Put it together without the cheese, cover it up, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you bake it, add 10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the chill.
→ What can I serve alongside this meal?: A crunchy salad, some warm garlic bread, or even steamed veggies pair perfectly. It’s filling enough solo, though!

Easy One-Pan Meatball Bake

Frozen meatballs, raw pasta, sauce, and gooey cheese come together in one bake for an easy and low-fuss dinner. Cleanup’s a breeze!

Prep Time

10 min

Cooking Time

50 min

Total Time

60 min

By: Ana

Category: Lunch & Dinner

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yields: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 2 cups dry pasta (try rigatoni or penne)

02 1 can (24 oz) marinara sauce

03 1 pound pre-cooked frozen meatballs

04 1 cup water

→ Cheese & Garnish

05 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)

06 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)

07 Optional: fresh parsley or basil for decoration

Steps

Step 01

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the uncooked pasta, sauce, frozen meatballs, and water together in a big baking dish. Give it a good stir so everything's evenly blended.

Step 02

Wrap the dish tightly with foil and put it in the oven for about half an hour.

Step 03

Take off the foil, give everything another mix, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan on top.

Step 04

Pop the dish back in, this time uncovered, and let it bake 15-20 minutes more until the cheese is all gooey and golden.

Step 05

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Add some fresh basil or parsley on top if you like.

Notes

With just one dish and no complicated prep, this meal comes together super easily.
The dry pasta cooks right along with the meatballs and sauce, soaking up the delicious flavors.
During the first bake, sealing the dish tightly with foil ensures the pasta softens properly.
This hearty and satisfying meal’s perfect for busy nights when you want to skip extra dishes.