If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is sure to become one of your all-time favorites. It marries tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and a rich, savory marinara sauce all baked together beneath a gooey blanket of melted mozzarella cheese. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or eager to impress guests with a cozy Italian-inspired dish, this casserole is simple, satisfying, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to capturing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in the Meatball Casserole Recipe. From the chewy pasta to the spicy seasonings and cheesy topping, each component plays a starring role.
- Dried pasta (1 pound): Choose ziti, rotini, or penne for great sauce absorption and meaty bite.
- Frozen meatballs (28 ounces, thawed): Use your favorite pre-cooked variety to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Marinara sauce (24 ounces): A robust tomato base that brings tang and richness.
- Low sodium beef broth (3 cups): Adds depth and moisture to the casserole, ensuring the pasta cooks evenly.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend of herbs that enhances the Mediterranean vibes.
- Garlic powder (¾ teaspoon): Gives a subtle, mellow kick with every bite.
- Onion powder (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle sweetness and complexity.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon): Offers just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
- Mozzarella cheese (2½ cups, freshly shredded): For that irresistible, melty, golden topping.
- Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): A bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start off by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks and your casserole comes out clean and beautiful.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Dish
Into your prepared baking dish, pour in the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything gently to combine, making sure to press the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged within the sauce and broth. This step ensures the pasta cooks evenly and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 40 minutes. After time’s up, carefully remove the foil to check if the pasta is cooked to al dente — tender but still firm. If it needs a little more time, simply bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once your pasta is perfectly al dente, evenly spread the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for about 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and turns a golden, melty masterpiece.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Let the casserole cool just slightly, then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Scoop onto plates and enjoy with crusty bread if you like — it’s a meal that feels like a celebration in every bite.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the ideal garnish, bringing a fresh herbal lift to cut through the richness of the cheesy casserole. For an extra pop, a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can take your presentation up a notch.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, make a great accompaniment to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also try layering it in a clear dish to showcase the vibrant layers of meatballs, sauce, pasta, and cheese for a stunning visual impact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Before baking, cover the assembled casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, adding extra time as needed until bubbly and cooked through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works as well — cover the dish and heat in intervals, stirring in between to warm evenly without drying out the casserole.
FAQs
Can I make Meatball Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure the meatballs and broth are also gluten-free. The dish will still be incredibly tasty and satisfying.
What type of meatballs work best for this casserole?
You can use frozen store-bought meatballs for convenience, or homemade ones if you prefer. Beef, pork, turkey, or even plant-based meatballs all work well to customize the dish to your taste.
How spicy is this casserole?
The red pepper flakes give it a gentle, pleasant kick but nothing overwhelming. You can easily adjust the amount up or down depending on your spice preference.
Can I use fresh pasta instead of dried?
Fresh pasta can be used but keep in mind it cooks faster and absorbs sauces differently. You may want to reduce the baking time and monitor closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply substitute the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based versions and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The rich marinara and cheese will keep it deliciously fulfilling.
Final Thoughts
If you want an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner that checks all the boxes for comfort and flavor, give this Meatball Casserole Recipe a try. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!
Print
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 hearty Meatball Casserole combines tender pasta, flavorful frozen meatballs, and rich marinara sauce into a comforting baked dish topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a simple, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious blend of Italian seasoning and spices baked to cheesy perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as ziti, rotini, 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly, pressing the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After baking, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente. If it needs more time, bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the frozen meatballs before assembling the casserole.
- You can use any short pasta shape such as penne, ziti, or rotini for this recipe.
- Cover tightly with foil to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and stays moist during baking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Stir the casserole gently after baking to distribute melted cheese evenly if desired.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
