Deep-Dish Style Chicago Meatball Pasta Bake

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-29 · Updated 2026-05-29

A hearty pasta bake inspired by Chicago's iconic deep-dish texture, combining tender meatballs with rich tomato sauce and melted cheese. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs ground beef, Italian seasoning, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1 tbsp Italian seasoning, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix thoroughly and form into 1-inch meatballs.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown on all sides, about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes until sauce thickens.
4. Step 4: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz penne pasta and cook for 9 minutes until al dente, then drain.
5. Step 5: Return meatballs to the tomato sauce, stir gently, then remove from heat. Combine the cooked pasta and sauce with meatballs in a 9x13 inch baking dish.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 375°F until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.