Meatball Casserole Recipe

Looking for a hearty, comforting meal that's perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week? This Meatball Casserole is a delicious, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor. Juicy, tender meatballs are baked in a flavorful tomato sauce and layered with pasta and cheese, creating a dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Whether it’s for a family dinner, a potluck, or simply a cozy night in, this casserole will hit the spot every time. Plus, it's easy to make and can be customized to fit your tastes. Let’s get cooking!

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What is Meatball Casserole?

Meatball Casserole is a baked dish that combines juicy homemade or store-bought meatballs, cooked pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all topped with layers of melted cheese. This dish takes the classic flavors of spaghetti and meatballs and turns them into a comforting casserole that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. The meatballs soak up the sauce, while the pasta and cheese come together to create a gooey, cheesy delight. It’s a perfect one-dish meal that’s filling, flavorful, and easy to make!

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Ingredients List for Meatball Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious Meatball Casserole. Feel free to adjust based on your preferences (check out the Substitutions and Variations section for ideas).

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef – The base of your meatballs.
• ½ lb ground pork – Adds juiciness and flavor to the meatballs.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the meatballs together.
• ½ cup breadcrumbs – Adds texture and helps bind the meat mixture.
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese – For extra flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Provides rich, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning – Adds depth and Italian flavors.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – For seasoning.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – For freshness and color.

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni) – A sturdy pasta that holds up well in a casserole.
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce – A rich, tomato-based sauce for the base.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that melty, gooey goodness.
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – For an extra cheesy top layer.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For sprinkling over the cheese.
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – For garnish.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Meatball Casserole is versatile and can be easily adapted to your preferences. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

• Meatballs: You can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. If you prefer, you can also use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a lighter version.
• Pasta: While penne or ziti are ideal, you can use any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or even elbow macaroni.
• Sauce: For a richer flavor, try mixing marinara sauce with a little alfredo sauce or using homemade tomato sauce. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier casserole.
• Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses. Try using a combination of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan for an extra cheesy casserole.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a gluten-free version of this casserole.
• Vegetarian: For a vegetarian option, you can replace the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to prepare your Meatball Casserole from scratch:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Mix until well combined, but avoid overmixing, as it can make the meatballs tough. Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the meatballs for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re browned and cooked through. Once cooked, set the meatballs aside. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) for baking the casserole later.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the meatballs are baking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with about half of the marinara sauce. In a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the pasta mixture, followed by a layer of half the meatballs. Pour more sauce over the top, then sprinkle with half of the mozzarella cheese and half of the parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with the remaining pasta, meatballs, sauce, and cheeses.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Sprinkle the top with dried oregano for extra flavor, and cover the casserole with aluminum foil. Bake the casserole at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.

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How to Cook Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of how to make the perfect Meatball Casserole:

1. Prepare the meatballs: Mix the meatball ingredients, form them into balls, and bake until cooked through.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente.
3. Assemble the casserole: Layer the pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and cheese in a casserole dish.
4. Bake: Bake the casserole covered, then uncover and bake until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
5. Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy during baking.
• Dry Meatballs: If your meatballs tend to come out dry, consider adding a bit of milk to the meat mixture or reducing the baking time slightly to ensure they stay juicy.
• Skipping the resting time: Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows the ingredients to settle and makes it easier to cut and serve.
• Not enough sauce: Be sure to add enough sauce to coat the pasta and meatballs well. This keeps the casserole moist and prevents it from drying out during baking.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How you present your Meatball Casserole can elevate the experience. Here are some ideas for serving and garnishing your dish:

How to Serve Meatball Casserole:

• Family-Style: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish at the dinner table. Let everyone dig in for a casual, cozy meal.
• Individual Portions: For a more formal presentation, spoon individual servings onto plates, ensuring each portion has a balance of meatballs, pasta, sauce, and cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Meatball Casserole:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley over the top just before serving adds color and a pop of freshness.
• Add a Side Salad: Serve the casserole alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Nothing pairs better with Meatball Casserole than a side of crispy garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks.

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Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold dish.
• Freezing: Meatball Casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen, adding 30-40 minutes to the baking time.
• Extra Cheese: For an even cheesier casserole, you can layer additional cheese between the layers of pasta and meatballs. A mix of mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone works well.
• Crispy Topping: For added texture, sprinkle a mixture of breadcrumbs and melted butter over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking to create a crispy, golden topping.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes! Using frozen or pre-cooked meatballs is a great time-saving option. Just make sure to thaw them before baking, or increase the baking time slightly if using them straight from the freezer.

What’s the best pasta to use for this casserole?

Any sturdy, short pasta like penne, ziti, rigatoni, or rotini will work well in this casserole. These types of pasta hold up well to baking and absorb the sauce nicely.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Can I freeze Meatball Casserole?

Yes! Meatball Casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen with additional cooking time.

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Conclusion

Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a perfect blend of juicy meatballs, tender pasta, flavorful marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner, a meal to serve at a gathering, or a dish to make ahead and freeze for later, this casserole has it all. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and don't forget to add extra cheese for an even more indulgent experience. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm, cheesy, and satisfying Meatball Casserole that’s sure to become a new favorite!

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