Ingredients
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12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
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1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 egg
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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2 cups marinara sauce
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1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
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1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Meatballs:
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In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Roll into small meatballs (about 1 inch in size).
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Cook the Meatballs:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
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Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides (about 5-6 minutes).
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Remove from heat and set aside.
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Assemble the Bake:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large baking dish, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
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Nestle the meatballs into the pasta mixture.
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Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake & Serve:
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Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
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