If you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s just as easy to throw together as it is satisfying, this Meatball Casserole Recipe might just become your new go-to comfort food. Imagine tender pasta swimming in a rich marinara sauce, studded with juicy meatballs, all baked to bubbly cheesy perfection. This dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that delivers maximum warmth and pure deliciousness in every bite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, this casserole promises to delight everyone at the table with its hearty, homey charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Meatball Casserole Recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor, texture, and cozy goodness. Each one plays a key role, from the pasta’s comforting base to the zesty spices and gooey cheese topping.
- 1 pound dried pasta (ziti, rotini, penne, etc): Provides a perfect, sturdy base that holds up well to baking and soaks up all those wonderful flavors.
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): Juicy and flavorful, these give the casserole its hearty protein boost and meaty appeal.
- 24 ounce marinara sauce: The rich, tomatoey heart of the dish that brings tang and depth.
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and savory richness, ensuring the pasta cooks perfectly in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses every bite with classic Italian flair.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory undertone that complements the meatballs beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: A subtle kick of heat to balance the rich tomato and cheese flavors.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): Melts into a bubbly, golden topping that makes every mouthful irresistible.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to finish.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray with cooking spray. This simple step makes sure your casserole won’t stick and your clean-up goes smoothly.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Dish
Pour the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes right into the baking dish. Stir everything gently to distribute the seasonings and meatballs evenly, and press the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid. This ensures it cooks evenly and soaks up amazing flavor while baking.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover the casserole tightly with foil to trap in steam, then bake in the oven for 40 minutes. This slow bake allows the pasta to cook perfectly in the flavorful sauce. After 40 minutes, carefully check if the pasta is al dente – tender but with a nice bite. If it’s not quite there, give it another 5 minutes with the foil on.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the pasta is cooked, remove the foil and generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles up into a golden, stretchy delight.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Dish out this hearty, cheesy meal right away, adorning it with fresh chopped parsley if you like for a vibrant touch. Pair it with some crusty bread, and you’ll have an unbeatable dinner that tastes like a big warm hug.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a lovely burst of green and fresh herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese and tomato sauce. For extra flair, a few red pepper flakes on top can add a subtle heat kick right before serving.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple yet complementary. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate, while steamed or roasted veggies bring added color and nutrition. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style presentation, bake the casserole in a rustic cast-iron skillet for a charming, cozy feel. Alternatively, individual ramekins make elegant single servings perfect for entertaining. You could also layer ingredients in a clear dish for a pretty, layered effect that shows off the pasta, sauce, meatballs, and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Meatball Casserole Recipe reheats beautifully. Once cooled, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. Leftovers often taste even better as the flavors have more time to meld, making it a perfect next-day meal option.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it yet. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from the freezer—just add extra baking time and keep it covered until the pasta is tender, then add cheese and finish baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a 350-degree oven until heated through and bubbly. Adding a few minutes uncovered at the end will bring back that delightful melty cheese texture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen in the Meatball Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work wonderfully and may even add a little extra flavor and juiciness. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before combining with the other ingredients, or adjust the baking time accordingly.
What pasta works best in this casserole?
Short, sturdy pastas like ziti, penne, or rotini hold up well during baking and trap sauce beautifully. Avoid very thin or delicate pasta types that may become mushy.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based alternatives, or toss in sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a tasty meatless version.
How spicy is this casserole?
The red pepper flakes add only a mild kick that complements the savory flavors without overwhelming the dish. You can always adjust the amount to suit your spice preference.
Is it possible to prepare this casserole in advance?
You can assemble it a day before and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it fresh according to the recipe steps for a quick, stress-free meal.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Casserole Recipe captures everything wonderful about comfort food with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its ease and heartiness make it a staple worth keeping in your recipe arsenal. So grab your ingredients, spark up your oven, and dive into this delightfully cheesy, meaty, and saucy dish — you’ll be so glad you did!
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Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender pasta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce baked to perfection with a melted mozzarella topping. Ideal for a family dinner, it’s simple to prepare with pantry staples and delivers a flavorful, satisfying meal in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as ziti, rotini, or penne)
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs, thawed
- 24 ounce marinara sauce
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared dish, add the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, making sure to push the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After this time, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente; if not, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is al dente, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Thaw meatballs before using for even cooking.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme if preferred.
- Use low sodium beef broth to control salt levels in the dish.
- If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
