If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing casserole where tender pasta mingles perfectly with juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella. Each bite combines robust Italian flavors and satisfying textures, making it an irresistible weeknight supper or a delightful dish to serve guests. Trust me, once you try this Meatball Casserole Recipe, it’s going to be a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for creating a beautifully balanced Meatball Casserole Recipe. Each component adds its unique role—from the pasta’s pleasing chew to the savory depth of meatballs and sauce, all topped with creamy, melted cheese for that perfect finish.
- 1 pound dried pasta (like ziti, rotini, penne, etc): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all the delicious sauce and flavors.
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): Ready-to-use meatballs save time and soak up the sauce, staying juicy and tender.
- 24 ounce marinara sauce: A rich, tomato-based sauce that brings the Italian soul to the dish.
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth: Adds depth without overpowering, keeping the flavors balanced and the pasta moist.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlic punch for extra savory notes.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild sweetness and depth without overpowering the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just a hint of heat to wake up the palate and balance the richness.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): Melts to golden, bubbly perfection, adding a creamy, cheesy layer everyone loves.
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional): Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400 F to ensure it’s the perfect temperature for cooking the casserole evenly. Meanwhile, grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a good spray with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients in the Baking Dish
Next, pour the dried pasta into the baking dish, then add the thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Use a spoon to stir everything together gently. Try to push the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged in the sauce and broth—this ensures it cooks perfectly and absorbs those rich flavors.
Step 3: Bake Covered in Foil
Cover your dish tightly with foil to trap in the steam and help the pasta cook evenly. Pop it into the oven for 40 minutes. After removing the foil, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente. If it needs a bit longer, don’t worry! Just bake uncovered for an extra 5 minutes to get it just right.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once your pasta is perfectly tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese all over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered for about 5 to 10 minutes. This is the magic moment when the cheese melts and bubbles up into a golden, irresistible layer that completes the dish.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Garnish
After baking, serve your Meatball Casserole Recipe warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if you like. This final touch adds a fresh herbal aroma and a lovely pop of green color. Don’t forget a side of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce!
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnish, adding brightness that contrasts the rich cheese and tomato sauce. You can also sprinkle a bit of freshly grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy punch or add a few basil leaves for a sweet, aromatic lift.
Side Dishes
Pair this Meatball Casserole Recipe with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A simple Caesar salad or garlic roasted broccoli works wonderfully to balance the richness of the casserole, keeping your meal feeling fresh and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive dinner, serve the casserole in individual ramekins sprinkled with extra cheese and parsley. Another fun idea is to set up a casual buffet where everyone can spoon out their favorite portions and add their own garnishes like chili flakes or grated cheese. It’s both interactive and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Meatball Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before covering tightly with plastic wrap or transferring to an airtight container to preserve its flavors and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Freeze before baking or after baking and cooling—just ensure it’s wrapped well to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 F for about 20 minutes or until warmed through and the cheese is melty again. If reheating from frozen, give it some extra time and cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and make the casserole even more special. Just be sure they are cooked through before adding to the casserole to ensure perfect timing.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Any sturdy pasta like ziti, penne, or rotini works wonderfully because they hold up well during baking and soak up the sauce beautifully.
Can I make this Meatball Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based versions. You can also add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to boost flavor and nutrition.
How spicy is this dish?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick that can be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer no heat, simply leave them out and enjoy a milder flavor.
Is this recipe freezer friendly before or after baking?
Both! You can freeze the casserole before baking for convenient meal prep or after baking for easy leftovers. Just adjust baking times accordingly when cooking from frozen.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Casserole Recipe is a cozy, effortless crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and joy to any table. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite go-to meal!
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 and easy-to-make one-dish meal featuring tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and a rich marinara sauce baked to perfection with a bubbly mozzarella cheese topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s a delicious crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as 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: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine everything, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged under the sauce and broth.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and absorb the flavorful sauce.
- Check Pasta Doneness: Remove the foil and check if the pasta is al dente; if it needs more cooking, re-cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is just tender, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 5-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Thaw frozen meatballs before assembling the casserole to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth for different flavor variations.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
