Deep-Dish Style Chicago Meatball Pasta Bake
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 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 6: Sprinkle 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 375°F until cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Deep-Dish Style Chicago Meatball Pasta Bake take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Deep-Dish Style Chicago Meatball Pasta Bake?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Deep-Dish Style Chicago Meatball Pasta Bake?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Deep-Dish Style Chicago Meatball Pasta Bake for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Deep-Dish Style Chicago Meatball Pasta Bake?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
