There’s something irresistibly comforting about a one-dish wonder, and this Meatball Casserole Recipe is exactly that—a hearty, cheesy, and flavorful meal that feels like a warm embrace on a plate. Combining tender pasta, juicy meatballs, and a rich marinara sauce all baked together under a bubbly blanket of mozzarella, this casserole is an easy weeknight winner that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for six hungry mouths or prepping for leftovers, this dish brings cozy vibes and bold flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is key to making this Meatball Casserole Recipe shine. Each component plays a crucial role—from the pasta’s texture to the spice blend that elevates the sauce’s flavor. Together, these essentials create a comforting and delicious meal without fuss.
- 1 pound dried pasta (like ziti, rotini, penne, etc): Choose a sturdy pasta shape that holds sauce well and bakes perfectly.
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): A super convenient protein that adds savory heartiness to the dish.
- 24 ounce marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred or homemade sauce for vibrant tomato flavor.
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth: Keeps ingredients moist and infuses the pasta with extra savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that brings classic Italian flair.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warm, mellow garlic notes without the fresh garlic prep.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Gives a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Delivers a gentle kick to brighten the dish.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): The gooey, melty crown on top that makes this casserole truly comforting.
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional): A pop of color and freshness to finish your masterpiece.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot and ready for a perfect bake. Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to keep your casserole from sticking while it cooks and to make clean-up easier.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Dish
Pour the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes all straight into the baking dish. Stir everything gently to mix, pushing the pasta slightly under the sauce and liquid so it’s mostly covered—this helps it cook evenly and absorb all those rich flavors.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover your dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture, then bake for 40 minutes. After this time, check the pasta’s doneness; it should be al dente—firm to the bite but cooked through. If it needs a bit more time, simply bake for an additional 5 minutes to get that perfect texture.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts into a beautifully golden, bubbly layer that’s as delicious as it looks.
Step 5: Serve Warm and Garnished
After baking, let your Meatball Casserole Recipe rest briefly before serving. Top with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Pair it with crusty bread if you want to soak up every last bit of that savory sauce—trust me, it’s a must.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish here, adding a lovely green pop and a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra savory depth or some fresh basil leaves for a fragrant twist.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables provides a nice textural and flavor contrast. Garlic bread or a fresh baguette always complements the saucy, cheesy goodness perfectly, making for a full, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress guests? Serve individual portions in mini skillets or ramekins topped with a bit more cheese and parsley for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation. You can also layer leftovers in clear glass containers to show off the beautiful melted cheese and meatballs for a lunch that’s just as delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated servings even more comforting.
Freezing
This Meatball Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place in the freezer. It will keep well for up to 2 months, ready to warm up on a busy weeknight when you need a delicious meal fast.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions covered with a microwave-safe lid, stirring halfway for even heating. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese or parsley on top to refresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just brown or cook them before adding to ensure they bake through perfectly alongside the pasta.
What type of pasta works best in this casserole?
Sturdier pasta shapes like ziti, penne, or rotini are great choices because they hold up well during baking and catch the sauce beautifully.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based meatballs, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a flavorful vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed—just add a few extra minutes if baking time is extended.
How spicy is the casserole with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a mild subtle heat that brightens the dish without overwhelming the flavors. If you prefer no spice, feel free to omit them.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to whip up this Meatball Casserole Recipe the next time your family craves a cozy, flavorful meal with minimal fuss. It’s truly a soul-satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles and full bellies. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorite easy casseroles to make again and again.
Print
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 Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting, one-dish meal featuring tender pasta baked with savory marinara sauce, flavorful meatballs, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines easily accessible ingredients into a delicious, cheesy casserole baked to perfection in under an hour.
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 Dish: 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, pour in the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine, making sure to push the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the sauce and broth mixture.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After 40 minutes, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente. If it needs more time, continue baking for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is al dente, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm. Pair with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh meatballs or homemade meatballs if preferred; adjust thawed time accordingly.
- Using low sodium beef broth helps control salt levels, but taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat covered to maintain moisture.
- This casserole freezes well before baking — thaw completely before baking.
