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
Scale
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.
