Meatball Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting dish that the whole family will love? This Meatball Casserole has you covered! Combining juicy, flavorful meatballs, savory marinara sauce, tender pasta, and a cheesy topping, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners, offering a warm, cozy meal that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Read on for the full recipe, ingredient list, and tips to master this delicious dish.

this Recipe

What is Meatball Casserole?

Meatball Casserole is a baked dish that combines classic Italian-style meatballs with pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. Instead of cooking the meatballs separately and tossing them with spaghetti, everything is baked together in one dish for an easy, comforting meal. It’s a wonderful all-in-one dinner that combines the rich flavors of meatballs and marinara with the satisfying heartiness of pasta, topped with gooey, golden-brown cheese.

Ingredients List for Meatball Casserole

To make this Meatball Casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is best)
• ½ lb ground pork (optional, but adds extra flavor)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian-style)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup milk (for moisture)

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
• 1 jar (24 oz) of marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitutions and Variations

Meatball Casserole is versatile and can be customized to suit your tastes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Meat Substitutions: If you prefer, you can use all ground beef, or replace the pork with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based meat substitute for a healthier or vegetarian option.
• Cheese Variations: For a richer flavor, swap out some of the mozzarella for provolone or fontina. You could even add ricotta or cream cheese to the casserole for a creamier texture.
• Pasta Options: You can use any short pasta for this recipe—penne, ziti, or rotini are all good choices. For a gluten-free option, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Sauce Variations: Use a spicy marinara sauce for a bit of heat or substitute Alfredo sauce for a creamy twist on the classic recipe.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this easy and delicious Meatball Casserole:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, pepper, and milk. Use your hands to mix until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix to avoid tough meatballs.
3. Form the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs, placing them on the prepared baking sheet. You should get about 18-20 meatballs.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until they’re browned on the outside and cooked through.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the meatballs are baking, cook your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions, but undercook it by 1-2 minutes (it will continue cooking in the casserole). Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with half of the marinara sauce, 1 cup of the mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, and dried basil. Stir to coat the pasta evenly.
3. In a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spread half of the pasta mixture evenly across the bottom.
4. Add the baked meatballs on top of the pasta, and pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
5. Top with the rest of the pasta mixture, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley, and enjoy!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Meatball Casserole turns out perfect every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to undercook your pasta by a minute or two since it will continue to cook in the oven. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
• Not Seasoning the Meatballs: Bland meatballs can ruin the flavor of the entire casserole. Be generous with your seasoning, especially the garlic, salt, and herbs, for maximum flavor.
• Skipping the Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes after baking ensures the sauce thickens slightly and makes it easier to serve.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Meatball Casserole is perfect for a casual family dinner, but you can still add some flair to your presentation. Here’s how:

• Serve Family Style: Place the casserole dish in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. The cheesy, bubbling top is sure to get everyone excited.
• Individual Portions: For a fancier presentation, scoop out individual portions of the casserole onto plates and garnish each one with fresh basil or parsley.
• Add a Side Salad: Serve the casserole with a simple green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.

How to Serve Meatball Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other sides for a complete meal:

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread or breadsticks are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
• Salad: A fresh Caesar salad or mixed greens salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for an added dose of vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Meatball Casserole

Make this homey dish look even more appetizing with these presentation tips:

• Bake in a Cast-Iron Skillet: For a rustic look, bake the casserole in a cast-iron skillet and serve it straight from the oven to the table.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and freshness to the cheesy casserole.
• Individual Ramekins: For a dinner party, divide the casserole into individual ramekins and bake them separately. This adds a touch of elegance and makes serving easier.

Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make it Ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if you're baking it straight from the fridge.
• Freezing the Casserole: To freeze, assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?
A: Yes! You can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just cook them according to the package instructions before assembling the casserole.

Q: Can I freeze Meatball Casserole after baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked casserole. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Q: What type of pasta works best for Meatball Casserole?
A: Short, sturdy pastas like penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best because they hold up well during baking and mix easily with the meatballs and sauce.

Conclusion

Meatball Casserole is a simple, comforting, and delicious meal that combines the best of spaghetti and meatballs with the ease of a baked casserole. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.

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