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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare marinara sauce in a spacious mixing bowl by blending garlic powder, onion powder, and salt for enhanced flavor profiles.
- Fold cooked penne pasta and thawed meatballs into the seasoned sauce, ensuring comprehensive and uniform coating.
- Transfer half the pasta and meatball mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, creating an initial layer with strategic distribution.
- Generously scatter mozzarella and parmesan cheese across the first layer, allowing for comprehensive cheese coverage.
- Layer the remaining pasta and meatball mixture atop the initial cheese foundation, creating a distinct secondary stratum.
- Complete the casserole by sprinkling the remaining cheese blend over the top layer, guaranteeing maximum cheese integration.
- 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.
- 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