Looking for a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love? This Meatball Casserole recipe is the perfect blend of tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and melted cheese, all baked together in one dish. With just a few easy steps and common ingredients, you'll have a hearty and satisfying dinner that’s sure to be a hit. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this amazing Meatball Casserole!
What is Meatball Casserole?
Meatball Casserole is a delightful and savory dish made by layering pasta, marinara sauce, meatballs, and cheese. Baked in the oven, the dish is a combination of Italian flavors that can be easily customized to suit your tastes. It’s a fantastic meal that can be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed by both adults and kids alike. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this comforting casserole is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients List for Meatball Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and flavorful Meatball Casserole:
- 1 pound penne pasta: Cooked al dente (according to package directions) and drained
- 32 ounces tomato & basil marinara sauce: For the best flavor, use a high-quality marinara sauce like MIDS brand
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the dish
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley: Divided into 1½ tablespoons for the casserole and ½ tablespoon for garnish
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A must-have for extra savoriness
- ½ teaspoon salt: To season the dish
- 18 frozen Italian-style meatballs: Thawed (1½-inch sized meatballs work best)
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese: Shredded, for that gooey, cheesy goodness
Substitutions and Variations
- Pasta: You can substitute penne with any other sturdy pasta like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be used for a healthier version.
- Sauce: If you don't have tomato & basil marinara sauce, you can use any marinara sauce you have on hand, or make your own from scratch with tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil.
- Cheese: Swap out mozzarella for other melting cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack. For a stronger flavor, try using a blend of mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
- Meatballs: If you prefer homemade meatballs, you can easily prepare your own with ground beef, breadcrumbs, eggs, and seasonings. You can also use turkey or chicken meatballs for a leaner option.
- Spices: Feel free to add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or fresh minced garlic for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole cooks evenly and gets nice and bubbly on top.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. You’ll want to cook the pasta to al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, 1½ tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Stir until well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large 9x13-inch baking dish, add half of the cooked pasta in an even layer. Pour half of the marinara sauce mixture over the pasta, followed by half of the grated parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Next, evenly distribute the thawed meatballs on top of the first layer. Finally, add the remaining pasta, sauce, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Remove the Foil and Broil: After the initial bake, remove the aluminum foil and switch your oven to broil. Broil the casserole for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese on top becomes golden brown and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the casserole is out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Cook Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a Meatball Casserole may seem like a complicated task, but with the right steps, you’ll have a perfectly baked casserole in no time. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Prepare the Pasta: Cooking your pasta to al dente is important, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Be sure to salt the water generously for the best flavor.
- Season the Sauce: Don’t skimp on seasoning! Even if you’re using a store-bought marinara sauce, adding garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley enhances the flavor of the dish.
- Layering is Key: When assembling the casserole, layering is essential to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. Alternate between the pasta, sauce, cheese, and meatballs to create the perfect balance.
- Bake and Broil: Covering the dish while baking ensures that it cooks evenly and the cheese doesn’t burn. Broiling at the end adds that perfect golden crust to the top layer of cheese.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking the pasta until it's too soft will result in a mushy casserole. Stick to al dente for the best texture.
- Not Thawing the Meatballs: Make sure the meatballs are completely thawed before adding them to the casserole. Frozen meatballs can release extra moisture, which may make the dish watery.
- Forgetting to Cover the Casserole: Skipping the foil cover can cause the cheese to burn before the casserole is fully heated through.
- Skipping the Broil: Don’t skip the broiling step at the end! This is what gives the cheese that delicious, crispy top that everyone loves.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve your Meatball Casserole can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some serving and presentation ideas:
How to Serve Meatball Casserole
- Family Style: This casserole is perfect for serving family-style at the dinner table. Place the casserole dish in the center, and let everyone scoop out their portions.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the rich, hearty casserole with a light side salad for a balanced meal. A Caesar salad or a simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette works well.
- With Garlic Bread: Garlic bread or toasted Italian bread is a classic side to mop up all that delicious sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Meatball Casserole
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve in Individual Ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, portion out the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. Each person gets their own little serving!
- Top with Extra Cheese: Just before serving, sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top for added flavor and a beautiful finish.
Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. After assembling the dish, wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake from frozen, adding 20-25 minutes to the cooking time.
- Add Veggies: For a healthier version, toss in some sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini into the layers of the casserole.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes! Fresh homemade meatballs can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to cook them first before adding them to the casserole.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the meatballs with vegetarian or plant-based meatballs for a vegetarian version of this casserole.
What’s the best way to reheat this casserole?
For best results, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly again. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Conclusion
This Meatball Casserole is an easy-to-make, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it for a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. By following the simple steps outlined above and adding your own personal touches, you’ll have a delicious casserole that everyone will love. Be sure to save this recipe and try it for your next meal!
PrintMeatball Casserole Recipe
This hearty Meatball Casserole recipe features penne pasta, marinara sauce, Italian-style meatballs, and melted mozzarella cheese. It's perfect for a family dinner with savory flavors and easy preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 32 ounces tomato & basil marinara sauce (MIDS brand)
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (divided into 1½ tbsp and ½ tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 18 frozen Italian-style meatballs, thawed (1½-inch size)
- 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, 1½ tablespoons of parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Add the thawed meatballs and stir until well incorporated.
- Pour the pasta and meatball mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and parmesan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to use homemade meatballs for a fresher taste.
- This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- You can substitute marinara sauce with your favorite pasta sauce if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (⅙ of casserole)
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1340mg
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