Meatball and Pepperoni Pasta Bake

Are you ready for the easiest week night meal ever?  Well, grab your fork and a few things out of the pantry and freezer because things are about to get easy up in here.  

Start by adding frozen meatballs into a large skillet on high heat with a little bit of water.  Liven these little guys up a bit...

Meanwhile, cut up about a 1/2 cup of pepperoni.

Once all of the water has evaporated, add the pepperoni.  We want it to start to get a little crispy.

Then add one jar of your favorite marinara sauce.  I buy the cheap stuff (aka whatever is on sale), don't judge me.

Some body wanted a meatball.... I said no, I know with that face?  I'm heartless.

Then add a little water to the jar and get every last drop of it out.  I told Mr. Schwartz that it was a Mama D thing (my mom) and he told me it was "just a MOM thing" because his mom does the same thing.  Either way, do it.

Add it to the pan. 

Add 3/4 of a pound of cooked pasta.  I choose penne

And give it a good stir.

Pour it into a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

Then you will need some of this.  You guys, this cheese is amaze-balls.  It melts like a dream.  And no, Kraft didn't pay me to say that...although I wish they did.

Sprinkle the cheese all over the top and into the oven it goes.

When it comes out, you will have this.

Cheesy pasta meatbally-pepperoni goodness

Dinner is served.

The end.

Meatball and Pepperoni Pasta Bake 

1 pound frozen meatballs

1/2 cup pepperoni, sliced in half

1 jar marinara sauce

3/4 pound cooked pasta 

2 cups Mozzarella cheese 

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Start by adding the meatballs to a large skillet on medium high heat.  Pour in the water and move the meatballs around a bit.  Cook until the water has evaporated and add the pepperoni.  Cook for about a minute or two, making sure not to burn the pepperoni.  Add the marinara sauce and give it a good stir.  Then add the pasta and stir again to ensure everything is coated in the sauce.  

Pour the pasta mixture into a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Sprinkle cheese over the top and place in the oven for about 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly and the cheese has melted.  

Enjoy!  

Recipe by: Mrs. Schwartz