If you’re craving a hearty, comforting dish that combines gooey cheese, flavorful meatballs, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pan, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a fuss-free, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s bursting with flavor and just downright satisfying. Get ready to fall in love with one of the easiest and most delicious casseroles you’ll ever make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Meatball Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial part in building layers of rich taste, texture, and color. From the tender pasta to the melty cheese, every component is essential and easy to find, making this recipe a total winner in your kitchen.
- 1 pound dried pasta: Choose ziti, rotini, or penne for perfect sauce-holding shapes.
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): A time-saver that adds hearty, savory bites throughout.
- 24 ounce marinara sauce: Rich tomato flavor forming the delicious base of the casserole.
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth: Keeps the pasta moist and infuses subtle depth without extra salt.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that wakes up the whole dish with herbs.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a gentle, aromatic punch.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a touch of sweetness and savory balance.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep it interesting.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): Melts beautifully for that irresistible, bubbly topping.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, optional): A bright, fresh garnish that finishes the dish perfectly.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking spray. This little step ensures nothing sticks, and cleanup is a breeze, setting the stage for a perfect casserole.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Now, pour your dried noodles, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes directly into the baking dish. Stir everything together well, making sure to gently press the pasta so most of it is submerged under the sauce and broth. This helps the noodles cook evenly and soak up all that delicious flavor as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven for 40 minutes. Afterward, check your pasta to see if it’s al dente—just tender with a little bite. If not quite there yet, simply bake it for another 5 minutes. Baking it covered allows the pasta to steam and absorb all those tasty liquids.
Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping
Once your pasta noodles are done, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese bubbles up and melts into that perfect golden layer that makes casseroles so irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Warm
The final step is the best part—serve your Meatball Casserole hot from the oven. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, and pairing it with some crusty bread takes the meal to the next level. Dig in and enjoy every gooey, comforting bite!
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a bit of fresh parsley right before serving brightens the rich, cheesy flavors and adds a hint of color to your dish. For some extra flair, you can also sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or some crushed red pepper on top to customize the heat.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or that crunchy garlic bread you love. These light, fresh options balance the hearty casserole, making your meal filling but well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a pizza-inspired twist, add a handful of sliced black olives or pepperoni on top before baking the cheese. Or, serve it in smaller individual ramekins for a fun, personalized presentation that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got some leftover meatball casserole? No problem. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you reheat, it tastes just as comforting and delicious as when freshly baked.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. To save for later, assemble but don’t bake the casserole yet, then wrap it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake from frozen, just adding extra time to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through to keep the cheese melty and the pasta moist. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, but cover loosely to keep moisture locked in.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this Meatball Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will work beautifully and add your personal touch. Just be sure they are cooked through before assembling the casserole, as this recipe relies on thawed, pre-cooked meatballs.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based versions, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still get all that cheesy, saucy goodness with a vegetarian-friendly twist.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While mozzarella melts best for that classic gooey texture, feel free to mix in provolone or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra flavor. Just keep the mozzarella as the base to maintain that lovely stretchiness.
What pasta shapes work best in this Meatball Casserole Recipe?
Short, tubular pasta like ziti, penne, or rotini are perfect because they hold the sauce and meatballs well. Avoid very thin or long noodles since they might overcook or not blend as well in the casserole.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
You can definitely prep everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for a few hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy days or entertaining guests with minimal last-minute work.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Casserole Recipe is a deliciously simple way to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and perfect for feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. Give it a try and see why it quickly becomes a beloved favorite—once you do, you’ll want to make it over and over again!
Print
Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole combines tender pasta with savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese, baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting and easy one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meatballs
- 1 pound dried pasta (like ziti, rotini, penne, etc.)
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed)
Sauce and Seasoning
- 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
Toppings
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the 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 gently to combine and push the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente; if not, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once pasta is al dente, remove foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- Fresh mozzarella can be used instead of shredded for a different texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Frozen meatballs must be thawed prior to baking to ensure even cooking.
