1. Prepare the Meatballs

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent dense meatballs.

Once the mixture is ready, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the meatball mixture and roll them into balls using your hands. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure they don’t stick.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Depending on the size of your meatballs, the baking time may vary, so make sure to check that the internal temperature has reached 160°F (71°C). Once cooked, remove them from the oven and set them aside.

2. Cook the Pasta

While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, but slightly undercook it by 1-2 minutes since it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

3. Combine the Meatballs and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with marinara sauce, ensuring all the pasta is coated. Gently add the meatballs to the sauce mixture, stirring carefully to avoid breaking the meatballs apart. You can also reserve a few meatballs to place on top of the pasta before baking for an extra touch of presentation.

4. Assemble the Pasta Bake

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Pour the pasta and meatball mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the pasta and meatballs, followed by a generous layer of grated Parmesan cheese. This combination of cheeses will melt beautifully, forming a golden, bubbly crust on top.

5. Bake the Pasta Dish

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden brown and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once the Cheesy Meatball Pasta Bake is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. For an added touch, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for color and flavor.

Serve hot with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy the cheesy, meaty goodness of this delicious dish!