# Timballo di Polpettine (Meatball Pasta Bake)

> A baked pasta timballo with beef meatballs, tomato and mozzarella. Full ingredients and step-by-step instructions from @the_pastaqueen.

- **Source:** [@the_pastaqueen on TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@the_pastaqueen/video/6934413971067899142)
- **Estimated total time:** 90 minutes
- **Serves:** 6
- **Category:** Main course · **Cuisine:** Italian
- **Mood:** Comfort Food
- **Main ingredients:** Pasta, Bread, Tomato, Beef, Mozzarella
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-10-08
- **Canonical URL:** https://mezze-app.com/recipes/timballo-di-polpettine-meatball-pasta-bake

## Ingredients

- 400 g short pasta, such as rigatoni or penne
- 400 g ground beef, for the meatballs
- 60 g breadcrumbs
- 1 × egg, for the meatball mixture
- 60 g parmesan, grated
- 2 × garlic, cloves, minced
- 10 g parsley, chopped
- 30 ml olive oil
- 700 ml tomato puree, for the sauce
- 1 × onion, finely chopped
- 10 g basil, fresh leaves
- 8 g salt
- 2 g black pepper, ground
- 250 g mozzarella, diced or torn

## Method

1. **Make the meatballs** In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined, then roll into small meatballs.
2. **Brown the meatballs** Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and brown the meatballs on all sides. Set them aside; they will finish cooking in the oven.
3. **Make the tomato sauce** In the same pan, soften the onion in the oil. Add the tomato puree, season with salt and simmer, then stir in the basil.
4. **Cook the pasta** Boil the pasta in salted water until very al dente. Drain it and toss with part of the tomato sauce.
5. **Assemble the timballo** Layer the pasta, meatballs, tomato sauce and mozzarella in a baking dish. Finish with a final layer of sauce, mozzarella and grated parmesan.
6. **Bake** Bake in a preheated oven at 180 °C until golden and bubbling. Let it rest a few minutes before serving.

## FAQ

**How long does timballo di polpettine (meatball pasta bake) take?**

The estimated total time recorded for this recipe is 90 minutes. Read the method before starting and allow for any cooling, chilling or marinating described in the steps.

**How many servings does this recipe make?**

The quantities listed are for 6 servings. The full ingredient list and instructions are included above.

**Who created this recipe?**

This recipe was shared by @the_pastaqueen on TikTok. Mezze transcribed the video into ingredients and steps; the original video is linked above.

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Recipe transcribed by [Mezze](https://mezze-app.com), the app that turns saved TikTok and Instagram recipes into cooked dinners.