Wagyu Meatball Bake with Penne & Tomato Sauce Recipe
Published on April 25th, 2025
Intermediate
Looking for the ultimate comfort dish that doesn’t compromise on quality? This Wagyu Meatball Bake with Penne & Tomato Sauce recipe brings together tender wagyu beef, rich tomato basil sauce, and gooey mozzarella for a pasta bake that’s indulgent, satisfying, and utterly delicious. Whether you're preparing a cosy family dinner or something special for the weekend, this dish promises big flavour with minimal fuss.
Why This Wagyu Meatball Bake Is a Must-Try
Unlike ordinary pasta bakes, this recipe uses premium Wagyu beef meatballs, offering a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Combined with penne and a fresh cherry tomato & basil sauce, every bite is rich, tangy, and balanced. It’s the perfect way to elevate a classic comfort meal into something restaurant-worthy at home.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
- 300g Wagyu Beef Meatballs
- 500g pack fresh penne pasta
- 350g tub cherry tomato & basil sauce
- 185g pack tomato & mozzarella salad
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200ºC (gas mark 6). In a baking dish, lightly toss the Wagyu beef meatballs with a bit of olive oil. Roast them uncovered for 15 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain off most of the fat to keep the dish lighter while preserving that meaty richness.
- While the meatballs are roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 250g of penne (half the pack) and boil for 2 minutes—just enough to start the cooking process. Drain the pasta but remember to save about a cup of the starchy pasta water to help bring everything together later.
- Add the partially cooked penne to the meatballs in the baking dish, then pour over the cherry tomato & basil sauce. Add around 3 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water and gently stir everything together. Tear the mozzarella balls from the salad pack and scatter them across the top. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Return the dish to the oven for another 10 minutes. The cheese will melt into creamy perfection, and the wagyu meatballs with penne will be piping hot, fully cooked, and beautifully glazed in tomato sauce.
- Halve the salad tomatoes and toss them with the accompanying salad leaves and dressing. Serve alongside the wagyu meatball pasta bake for a well-rounded meal with a fresh, crisp contrast.
Tips for Success
• Always use high-quality wagyu meatballs in tomato sauce to get the best texture and flavour.
• For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle some grated parmesan over the top before the final bake.
• If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of red chilli flakes to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Wagyu beef is known for its rich marbling and tenderness, making it a luxurious ingredient for casual meals. In this wagyu beef meatball pasta, the natural juiciness of the meat balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and the creaminess of the mozzarella. It's a great example of how you can use premium ingredients in an everyday dish without overcomplicating the process.
This Wagyu Meatball Bake with Penne & Tomato Sauce recipe is more than just a pasta bake—it’s a comforting, elevated take on a family favourite. With minimal prep and big flavours, it’s bound to become a regular on your dinner rotation. Try it once, and it might just be your new go-to pasta dish!
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