Meatball Casserolern

Name: Meatball Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 pound penne pasta, (cooked to al dente (according to package directions) and drained); 32 ounces tomato & basil marinara sauce, (MIDS brand); ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese,; 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley ((divided into 1½ tablespoons and ½ tablespoon)); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 18 frozen Italian-style meatballs, (thawed (1½-inch sized)); 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, (shredded)

a close up shot of Meatball Casserole in a spoon

Meatball casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines pasta, juicy meatballs, and melty cheese for an easy-to-make meal perfect for any occasion.

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Table of Contents

Meatball Casserole Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Meatball Casserole Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
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Savor the mouthwatering goodness of our meatball casserole. This dish is a satisfying medley of perfectly cooked pasta, flavorful meatballs, gooey cheese, and a tangy tomato sauce that’s simply irresistible.

overhead shot of Meatball Casserole in a baking dish

Meatball Casserole Ingredients

Meatball Casserole raw ingredients that are labeled

With its tube shape and ridges, the penne pasta is ideal for this casserole as it withstands baking well, and the sauce will fill all the nooks and crannies.

The marinara sauce imparts a rich and tangy flavor that enhances the pasta and meatballs, while the Italian-style meatballs contribute a robust, savory element to the dish, offering a flavorful and satisfying bite.

Finally, the mozzarella cheese forms a creamy and irresistibly gooey topping.

You’ll need:

1 pound of penne pasta, cooked to al dente (according to package directions) and drained
32-ounce jar of tomato & basil marinara sauce (MIDS brand)
¾ cup of grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, divided into 1½ tablespoons and ½ tablespoon
1 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of onion powder
½ teaspoon of salt
18 (1½-inch sized) frozen Italian-style meatballs, thawed
16 ounces of mozzarella cheese, shredded

PRO TIP:

We’d recommend grating your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese tends to be coated with a preservative that prevents it from melting well.

Substitutions and Additions

PENNE PASTA: You can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or cavatappi in this meatball pasta bake. They have similar shapes and sizes, making them a good alternative.

MARINARA SAUCE: If you prefer a homemade sauce, feel free to use your own marinara sauce. Just ensure you have enough to coat the pasta and meatballs.

ITALIAN MEATBALLS: For a leaner option, consider using turkey or chicken meatballs. They’re just as flavorful and can be a healthier alternative.

MOZZARELLA CHEESE: If you prefer a different type of shredded cheese, feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina. They both melt well and have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.

How To Make This Meatball Casserole Recipe

Making this easy meatball casserole recipe is a breeze, and the result is a hearty, satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Here’s how to do it:

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil cooking spray.

STEP TWO: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the casserole dish.

STEP THREE: Add the jar of sauce, grated parmesan cheese, 1½ tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to the pasta. Stir to combine and coat all the pasta with the sauce and parmesan cheese. Be sure that your pasta is spread out into an even layer.

jar of sauce, parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt added to the pasta

STEP FOUR: Place the meatballs in 6 rows of 3 meatballs each into the pasta and sauce. Push the meatballs gently into the pasta so they are nestled down but not covered by the pasta.

STEP FIVE: Top the entire dish of pasta and meatballs with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake meatball casserole for 30-35 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your casserole at the lower end of the recommended cooking time.

mozzarella topped over the pasta and meatballs and bake

STEP SIX: Sprinkle the remaining ½ tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley over the top and serve while still warm.

How To Serve

This cheesy meatball casserole recipe is an easy dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few suggestions:

Serve this casserole as a hearty main course, paired with a simple side Caesar salad or sauteed vegetables for an easy weeknight dinner.

This dish is also perfect for potlucks or buffet spreads, as it can be easily portioned and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Consider serving this casserole with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls. The bread is perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce and adds a delightful crunch to the meal.

It’s always a great idea to have a few easy recipes on hand to whip up when life gets busy. Our beef noodle casserole and one pot pasta are two of our favorites.

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Storage

This Italian meatball casserole is not only delicious when served fresh, but it also stores well for future meals. Here’s how to store it:

MAKE AHEAD: This casserole can be assembled up to 8 hours ahead of baking. Simply cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

IN THE FRIDGE: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.

IN THE FREEZER: Once baked and cooled completely, this casserole can be frozen in a tightly wrapped container for up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

REHEATING: To reheat the casserole, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F until it’s heated through. If you’re reheating from frozen, make sure to thaw the casserole completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

Why We Love This Recipe

EASY TO MAKE: This casserole is easy to prepare. The recipe involves simple steps and uses ingredients that are readily available, making it an excellent choice for cooks of all skill levels.

COMFORTING AND HEARTY: There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty casserole. With its tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and creamy cheese, this dish is the epitome of comfort food.

close up shot of Meatball Casserole on a plate

Our meatball casserole is a delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its combination of tender pasta, flavorful meatballs, and gooey cheese creates a comforting meal that’s sure to please. Plus, with its easy prep, it’s a convenient choice for busy weeknights or make-ahead meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

You can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni or cavatappi in this simple recipe. They have similar shapes and sizes, making them a good alternative.

Can I use homemade marinara sauce?

If you prefer a homemade sauce or have dietary restrictions, feel free to use your own marinara sauce. Just ensure you have enough to coat the pasta and meatballs.

Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?

For a leaner option, consider using turkey or chicken meatballs.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

If you prefer a different type of cheese, feel free to substitute mozzarella with provolone or fontina. They both melt well and have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

This casserole can be assembled up to 8 hours ahead of baking. Simply cover it tightly with aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

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