If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that brings together hearty flavors and gooey cheese, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender pasta mingling with juicy meatballs and rich marinara sauce, all baked to perfection with a bubbling mozzarella topping. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s incredibly easy to make, yet delivers that homey, satisfying feeling that only a baked casserole can provide. Whether you’re feeding a family or having friends over, this dish is bound to become a favorite you’ll want to make over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by casseroles—this Meatball Casserole Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that you likely already have tucked away. Each one plays a crucial role: from the pasta that provides the perfect base, to the hearty meatballs, and the flavorful marinara sauce that ties it all together. Plus, a sprinkle of seasoning and a generous layer of mozzarella make every bite irresistible.
- 1 pound dried pasta (ziti, rotini, penne, etc.): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all the flavors and give the casserole great texture.
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): The star protein that’s already cooked and ready to add meaty goodness effortlessly.
- 24 ounce marinara sauce: A rich and tangy sauce that binds the casserole together with classic Italian flavor.
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory depth to the dish without overpowering it.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the overall taste, giving it an authentic Italian vibe.
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the casserole with warm, aromatic flavor that complements the meatballs.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a hint of sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings just a touch of heat to balance the richness.
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): For that irresistibly melty, golden topping that everyone loves.
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional): Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Kick off your cooking adventure by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a light spray with cooking spray—this will make cleanup easier and keep your casserole from sticking to the pan. Preparing the dish well means your Meatball Casserole Recipe will bake beautifully without a fuss.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, pour the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, and beef broth right into the baking dish. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to enhance the flavors. Use a spoon to mix everything gently, making sure the pasta is mostly covered by the sauce. Pushing the noodles down helps them cook evenly and soak up all that delicious liquid.
Step 3: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil to trap the steam and moisture inside—this ensures the pasta cooks to tender, al dente perfection. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 40 minutes. When the time is up, carefully remove the foil and test the pasta. If it’s not quite where you want it, give it another 5 minutes in the oven. This step is key to getting that perfect pasta texture without drying out your Meatball Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is bubbling, it’s time for the best part: the cheese! Sprinkle a generous layer of freshly shredded mozzarella on top and return the dish to the oven, uncovered. Bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until you see that glorious, golden, bubbly cheese forming. This final step adds the ultimate gooey, melty topping that brings the whole casserole together.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After that, let the casserole cool just a touch, then serve it warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Pair it with some crusty bread to soak up all the saucy goodness, and you’ve got a meal that’s pure comfort on a plate. This Meatball Casserole Recipe is a guaranteed way to make dinner a delicious celebration for everyone at your table.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Meatball Casserole Recipe and make it look as good as it tastes. Chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cheese and meatballs. You might also consider a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for an extra layer of savory flavor, or even a dash of crushed red pepper if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is a hearty meal on its own, pairing it with the right sides can turn your dinner into a feast. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds refreshing crunch and balances the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. For a veggie boost, roasted broccoli or steamed green beans add color, texture, and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get fancy, try serving individual portions of the Meatball Casserole Recipe in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties. Layer the casserole in glass baking dishes so the colorful pasta, meatballs, and sauce peek through the sides—it’s almost too pretty to eat. You can also add a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dollop of ricotta on top for a gourmet twist that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts about the Meatball Casserole Recipe is how well it stores. After the casserole has cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and pop them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights or easy lunches. Just be sure to keep the cheese covering intact for maximum flavor and moisture.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully if you want to prep in advance or save extras. Wrap the cooled dish tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or portion it into freezer-safe containers. Your Meatball Casserole Recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven for the best texture and flavor. Preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, cover with foil to keep it from drying out, and warm for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the plate and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Adding a little extra shredded mozzarella on top before reheating can bring back that fresh-from-the-oven cheesiness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh meatballs work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure they are precooked before mixing into the casserole so everything cooks evenly and safely.
What type of pasta works best for this casserole?
Short pasta shapes like ziti, rotini, or penne are ideal because they hold the sauce well and bake evenly. Avoid very thin pastas that might get too soft during baking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based meatballs. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a satisfying meat-free version.
Do I need to thaw the meatballs before baking?
Thawing the meatballs first is recommended so they heat through properly and the pasta cooks evenly. If you’re in a pinch, you could try using them frozen but you may need to increase the bake time.
Can I add other cheeses to the topping?
For sure! Mixing mozzarella with Parmesan, provolone, or even a bit of cheddar can add extra complexity and depth to the cheesy topping.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Casserole Recipe is a true gem to keep in your dinner rotation. It’s an easy, delicious, all-in-one dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day, perfect for sharing with the people you love. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s irresistibly good, so go ahead—make this satisfying casserole and enjoy the smiles around the table!
Print
Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50-60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole combines tender pasta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce baked to perfection with a bubbly mozzarella cheese topping. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it delivers classic Italian flavors with minimal effort in one delicious dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as ziti, rotini, or penne)
- 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 Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish 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 everything gently and press the pasta down so it is mostly submerged in the sauce and broth mixture, enabling even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. After this time, check if the pasta is cooked to a tender ‘al dente’ texture. If it needs more time, bake uncovered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve warm. Accompany the dish with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Using low sodium beef broth helps control the overall salt level in the dish.
- Thaw frozen meatballs before adding to ensure even heating and prevent frozen spots.
- For a spicier casserole, increase the red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Freshly shredding mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded cheese that contains anti-caking agents.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-50 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
