If you’re craving something comforting, satisfying, and downright delicious, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, all bubbling under a gooey layer of melted mozzarella cheese. What makes this recipe truly special is how simple ingredients come together in one dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this casserole promises effortless prep with maximum flavor and plenty of smiles around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Meatball Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the zing of Italian seasoning to the comforting melt of mozzarella, you’ll find every component essential to making this dish a standout.
- 1 pound dried pasta: Choose ziti, rotini, or penne for perfect sauce absorption and bite.
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): Using frozen meatballs keeps prep easy without sacrificing taste.
- 24 ounce marinara sauce: A rich, tangy sauce forms the flavorful base of the casserole.
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth: Adds savoriness while keeping the dish from drying out.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Infuses the casserole with classic Mediterranean herbs.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the savory depth across the whole dish.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Gives subtle sweetness and complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick without being overpowering.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded for luscious, stringy meltiness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh finish and attractive garnish.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, generously spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. This simple first step ensures your casserole won’t stick and cleans up effortlessly later.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Dish
Pour in the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, and beef broth directly into the baking dish. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Gently stir everything together, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged and covered by the sauce and liquid mixture for even cooking.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover your dish tightly with foil to lock in steam and moisture as the pasta cooks. Bake for 40 minutes, then check the pasta for an al dente texture. If it needs a bit longer, pop the casserole back in for another 5 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once your pasta is perfectly tender, remove the foil and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling, golden, and irresistible.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Take it out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if you like a pop of green color. Serve this heartwarming Meatball Casserole Recipe with some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprigs add that perfect pop of bright green and freshness against the rich reds and golden cheese. Sprinkle chopped parsley just before serving to elevate the visual appeal and flavor balance.
Side Dishes
A crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole beautifully. You can also serve steamed or roasted vegetables to add variety and a healthy crunch alongside the pasta and meatballs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and extra herbs. This makes the Meatball Casserole Recipe feel special for guests or a cozy family dinner. It also works brilliantly as a party dish for sharing straight from the baking dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Meatball Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day almost tastier than the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by assembling everything in a freezer-safe dish and sealing tightly. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake covered from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s fully cooked and heated through before adding cheese.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, microwave individual servings or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Adding a little splash of broth or water before reheating helps keep the pasta moist and cheesy.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs bring incredible flavor and freshness, making your Meatball Casserole Recipe even more special. Just be sure they’re fully cooked before combining in the casserole.
What pasta works best in this casserole?
Short, ridged pasta like ziti, rotini, or penne is ideal because it catches sauce well and maintains a nice texture after baking.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
You can experiment with provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses if you want to put your own spin on the cheesy topping. Just remember to shred fresh cheese for the best melt.
How spicy is this Meatball Casserole Recipe?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but no overwhelming heat. Feel free to adjust the amount or omit if you prefer a milder dish.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Definitely! It freezes well before baking and reheats beautifully, making it a convenient meal prep option for busy weeks.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about this Meatball Casserole Recipe that makes it a household favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or treating yourself on any night. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious casserole in your recipe repertoire.
Print
Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal featuring tender pasta baked with flavorful meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and a blend of Italian seasonings. Topped with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh parsley, it’s an easy and satisfying dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (like ziti, rotini, penne, etc.)
- 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 and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, add the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, pressing the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Afterward, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente. If not, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is al dente, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5–10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. This casserole pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use low sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
- Ensure meatballs are fully thawed before baking for even cooking.
- You can substitute Italian seasoning with a blend of oregano, basil, and thyme if preferred.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time.
