Cavatappi Meatball Bake

 

What’s the best part about fall?  The wonderful cozy comfort foods that warm your soul. This is an easy baked pasta recipe that comes together quickly even though you may need a couple of extra pots. But it will be worth it. Perfect turkey meatballs cooked to perfection and smothered in a delicious homemade sauce and covered with lots of cheese.  Did someone say Comfort Food?

 

Cavatappi Meatball Bake

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella

1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano

4 cups cooked Cavatappi pasta 

 

TURKEY MEATBALLS

 

1 cup Italian breadcrumbs

¼-½ cup whole milk 

½ cup freshly grated parmigiano

1 pound ground turkey 

1 large egg

1 clove garlic minced

½ teaspoon oregano

¼ teaspoon dried parsley

½ teaspoon salt

1-2 dashes pepper

 

In a medium bowl combine the bread crumbs with the ground turkey, Parmesan cheese, egg, and spices, mix well. Form the mixture into small meatballs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In a large frying pan add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and brown meatballs on all sides. Remove the meatballs and set aside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FOR THE TOMATO SAUCE

2 tablespoons olive oil

2–14-ounce cans San Marzano peeled tomatoes

1 teaspoon oregano

1 teaspoon basil 

¼-½ teaspoon salt

1 clove garlic minced

½-¾ cup water

 

In the same pan add the tomatoes, garlic, spices and water, stir to combine, then add the meatballs and gently combine. Cook until thickened.

While pasta is cooking pre-heat the oven at 350 degrees and lightly grease a medium to large baking dish. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

While the sauce and meatballs are cooking, cook the pasta a little harder than al dent. Add the drained pasta to the baking dish and add a little cheese on top.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Nestle the meatballs into the pasta and then add in the sauce all around them. Sprinkle with the shredded firm mozzarella and freshly grated parmigiano.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bake for about 15-20 minutes. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to store The Meatball Casserole

Be sure to wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will last up for about three or four days in the fridge. It can be re-heated in a 325-degree oven for about 20-30 minutes or until heated throughout.

The casserole can also be frozen, be sure to cool completely (and make sure the baking dish is freezer safe), cover with an airtight freezer safe bag and freeze for up to one to two months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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