Irresistibly Cheesy Meatball Casserole Recipe For Cozy Nights

Crafting a hearty meatball casserole brings comfort and joy to any dinner table.

Layers of savory ingredients promise a delightful culinary adventure.

Cheesy, melted goodness mingles with tender meatballs, creating a symphony of flavors.

Warm aromas will fill your kitchen, tempting everyone nearby.

Perfect for casual weeknight meals or weekend gatherings, this dish satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical.

What Makes Meatball Casserole So Savory and Easy

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Toss ingredients together, layer in a dish, and let the oven do the hard work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Versatile dish that appeals to all ages, from kids to adults, with its classic Italian-inspired flavors and cheesy goodness.
• Quick and Easy Cleanup: Using a single baking dish means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your delicious meal with loved ones.

Ingredients for Meatball Casserole

• Meatballs: Hearty protein base that adds rich flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Pasta: Provides a comforting carbohydrate foundation for the dish.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and creates a stretchy, gooey topping.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato sauce that brings moisture and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt: Seasonings that boost the depth and complexity of the casserole's flavor profile.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright, green garnish and subtle fresh taste.

How to Make Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Marinara sauce
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Meatballs

Add cooked penne pasta and thawed meatballs to the sauce.

Gently toss everything until each piece is completely coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Layer the First Casserole Base

Spread half of the pasta and meatball mixture evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 5: Sprinkle Cheese Layer

Scatter half of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the first pasta layer.

Step 6: Complete the Casserole Layers

Add the remaining pasta mixture on top of the first cheese layer.

Top this with the rest of the mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted and bubbling beautifully.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top of the casserole just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Meatball Casserole

• Select high-quality, pre-cooked meatballs for better flavor and texture, ensuring they're fully thawed before mixing.
• Adjust marinara sauce thickness by adding a little water or pasta cooking liquid to prevent dryness during baking.
• Distribute mozzarella and parmesan evenly between layers for maximum cheese coverage and melted goodness.
• Swap parsley with fresh basil or oregano to add a personalized herbal touch and enhance the dish's aroma.
• Check casserole at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking, as ovens may vary in temperature and performance.

Flavorful Variations on Meatball Casserole

• Vegetarian Meatball Marvel: Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives like lentil, mushroom, or tofu balls for a meat-free version that maintains the hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap penne pasta with gluten-free pasta options such as chickpea, rice, or quinoa noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the casserole's classic taste.
• Spicy Mediterranean Fusion: Add red pepper flakes, oregano, and swap marinara with arrabbiata sauce for a zesty kick that transforms the traditional recipe into a more exciting meal.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of pasta, and choose turkey or chicken meatballs to create a lighter, protein-packed alternative for health-conscious eaters.

Serving Suggestions for Meatball Casserole

• Family Feast Night: Invite loved ones to gather around and enjoy this hearty, comforting meatball casserole as a shared meal that brings everyone together.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, cheesy pasta and add a fresh crunch to your plate.
• Herb Harmony: Sprinkle extra fresh basil or oregano on top just before serving to enhance the Italian-inspired flavors and add a vibrant touch of color and aroma.
• Bread Buddy: Serve warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread on the side to soak up the delicious marinara sauce and complete the perfect comfort food experience.

Best Storage Tips for Meatball Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes for cheese to crisp.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen meatballs directly in this recipe?

Yes, you can use thawed frozen meatballs. Just ensure they are completely thawed before mixing with the pasta and sauce.

• What type of marinara sauce works best?

Any store-bought or homemade marinara sauce will work well. Choose a brand you enjoy for the best flavor.

• Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

• Can I substitute the pasta type?

Penne works great, but you can use other short pasta like rigatoni or ziti if preferred. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce.

Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Meatball Casserole brings comfort and flavor together in one delightful dish. Layers of savory meatballs, melted cheese, and rich sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 18 frozen Italian-style meatballs, thawed (1.5-inch sized)

Pasta and Base:

• 1 pound (454 grams) penne pasta, cooked to al dente and drained
• 32 ounces (907 grams) tomato & basil marinara sauce (MIDS brand)

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare marinara sauce in a spacious mixing bowl by blending garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for enhanced flavor profiles.
2. Fold cooked penne pasta and thawed meatballs into the seasoned sauce, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coating.
3. Transfer half the pasta and meatball mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an initial layer with strategic distribution.
4. Generously scatter mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the first layer, allowing for comprehensive cheese coverage.
5. Layer the remaining pasta and meatball mixture atop the initial cheese foundation, creating a distinct secondary stratum.
6. Complete the casserole by sprinkling the remaining cheese blend over the top layer, guaranteeing maximum cheese integration.
7. Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese transforms into a molten, golden-bubbling surface.
8. After removing from oven, delicately garnish with freshly chopped parsley to elevate visual appeal and introduce a subtle herbaceous accent.

Notes

• Choose meatballs with lower fat content for a healthier version of this comforting dish.
• Swap traditional pasta with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate dietary preferences.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the casserole.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg