Description

Get ready to elevate your pasta bake game with this irresistible Smoky BBQ Bacon Meatball Pasta Bake. This hearty and flavor-packed dish combines the smoky sweetness of BBQ, the savory goodness of bacon, and the tender juiciness of homemade meatballs, all nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked pasta and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for a comforting family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup BBQ sauce
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form the mixture into meatballs.
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
In a large baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, BBQ sauce, crumbled bacon, and browned meatballs until everything is evenly distributed.
Top the pasta mixture with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Adjust the baking time as needed, depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the dish and bake until the cheese is melted and golden.
To keep the meatballs juicy, be gentle when mixing and forming them. Overworking the meat can result in dense, dry meatballs.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, to create unique flavor profiles.
For leftovers, store the pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 615 kcal
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 1,060mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 37g
Cholesterol: 115mg