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
Scale
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.
