Post by @aronemerson4

🍝 Garlic Parmesan Meatball Pasta Bake 🧀 This Garlic Parmesan Meatball Pasta Bake is the ultimate comfort-food casserole made with juicy homemade meatballs, tender penne pasta, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, and plenty of melted mozzarella cheese. It's rich, cheesy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Ingredients For the Meatballs • 1½ lbs ground beef • ½ cup Italian breadcrumbs • 1 large egg • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 1 tsp garlic powder • 1 tsp onion powder • 1 tsp salt • ½ tsp black pepper • 2 tbsp chopped parsley For the Pasta • 12 oz penne pasta For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce • 3 tbsp butter • 5 garlic cloves, minced • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour • 2 cups whole milk • 1 cup heavy cream • 1 cup chicken broth • 1½ cups grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • ½ tsp black pepper For the Topping • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp chopped parsley Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix gently. 3. Form into 20–24 small meatballs. 4. Brown the meatballs in a skillet for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally. They don't need to be fully cooked. 5. Cook the penne until al dente. Drain and set aside. 6. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. 7. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. 8. Gradually whisk in the milk, heavy cream, and chicken broth until smooth. 9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and black pepper until creamy. 10. Combine the cooked pasta with the garlic Parmesan sauce. 11. Spread half of the pasta into the baking dish. 12. Arrange the meatballs over the pasta. 13. Cover with the remaining pasta. 14. Sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar evenly over the top. 15. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. 16. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serving Suggestions Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or roasted asparagus. Storage Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and creamy. Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 40 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Servings: 8 Calories: Approximately 690 per serving #PastaBake #Meatballs #GarlicParmesan #ComfortFood