If you’re craving a cozy, comforting dinner that brings together the hearty flavors of Italian cuisine all in one dish, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender pasta, juicy meatballs, savory marinara, and gooey melted mozzarella in a simple, one-pan wonder that’s as easy to prepare as it is delicious to devour. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or making meal prep a breeze for the week ahead, this casserole locks in all the rich flavors and textures that make Italian food so beloved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the chewy pasta to the tender meatballs and aromatic seasonings, every component comes together harmoniously in this Meatball Casserole Recipe.
- 1 pound dried pasta (like ziti, rotini, penne, etc): Use sturdy pasta shapes that can hold up well during baking and soak up all those rich flavors.
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): Convenient and flavorful, meatballs add that hearty protein punch that makes this dish so satisfying.
- 24 ounce marinara sauce: A smooth, tangy base that infuses the casserole with classic Italian flavor.
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that enhances the dish’s authentic Italian vibe.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: For that warm, savory undertone we all love.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Subtle sweetness and complexity to round out the seasoning.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to keep things exciting.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): Creamy, stretchy cheese that crowns this casserole with irresistible gooeyness.
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional): Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor at the end.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick. This pre-step sets the stage for a perfectly baked meal that’s easy to clean up.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Into the prepared baking dish, pour the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes on top. Gently stir everything together to distribute the seasonings evenly and submerge the pasta beneath the sauce and liquid as much as possible. This ensures the pasta cooks evenly while soaking in all the sauce’s deliciousness.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap steam and moisture. Place it in the oven and let it bake for 40 minutes. This time allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and cook up tender but still firm to the bite—al dente perfection. If after 40 minutes the pasta hasn’t reached this ideal texture, give it another 5 minutes or so to finish cooking.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the pasta is just right, remove the foil and generously sprinkle the freshly shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, this time uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts completely and bubbles with golden spots. This finishing touch creates that irresistible gooey crust that makes this Meatball Casserole Recipe unforgettable.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Carefully take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool slightly before scooping out generous portions. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness if you like. Serve alongside some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce—it’s pure comfort on a plate.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley bring a lovely color contrast and brighten the dish’s rich flavors. You might also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to elevate the experience further.
Side Dishes
While the casserole is hearty enough on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread adds a refreshing crunch and additional flavor dimensions. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans also complement this dish beautifully, balancing the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re aiming to impress, serve the casserole family-style straight from the baking dish for a cozy, communal vibe. For a more elegant touch, plate individual servings with a sprinkle of additional herbs and a side of lemony arugula salad. This versatility means you can adapt the presentation to casual dinners or special gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Meatball Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners the next day without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! For longer storage, portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain the casserole’s flavors and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through to keep the pasta from drying out and the cheese delightfully melty. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs will add extra freshness and flavor to the casserole. Just make sure they’re cooked through before assembling the dish, as the baking time focuses mostly on cooking the pasta.
What pasta works best for this Meatball Casserole Recipe?
Sturdy pasta shapes like ziti, rotini, or penne are ideal since they hold up well during baking and soak up the sauce nicely without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs for your favorite vegetarian alternative such as plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it totally meat-free.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake later?
You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it uncovered for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to make sure everything heats through evenly.
How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?
The amount of red pepper flakes used offers a gentle hint of heat that complements the flavors without overpowering them. Feel free to adjust the quantity up or down depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Casserole Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple to make yet packed with so much comforting flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a satisfying solo dinner, this dish never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cozy staple in your kitchen too!
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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 hearty Meatball Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and rich marinara sauce, all baked to perfection and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser with Italian seasoning and a subtle kick from red pepper flakes.
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 the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine ingredients in baking dish: Add the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, low sodium beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to the prepared baking dish. Stir everything to combine evenly, then gently press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid for even cooking.
- Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and cook properly.
- Check pasta doneness: Remove the foil carefully and check if the pasta is al dente. If it is not tender enough, re-cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add cheese and finish baking: Once the pasta is cooked to al dente, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm, ideally with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the meatballs before adding them to the casserole for even cooking.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth depending on availability or preference.
- For a lower-fat version, use part-skim mozzarella cheese.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add extra baking time if starting cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
