Meatballs Pasta Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with a generous layer of melted cheese, this casserole is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re craving comfort food or a hearty meal to feed a crowd, this casserole will hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Meatballs Pasta Casserole offers the best of both worlds—savory meatballs and cheesy pasta all in one dish! The meatballs are juicy and flavorful, while the pasta absorbs the rich, tangy tomato sauce. With layers of melted cheese on top, this casserole is not only comforting but packed with flavor in every bite. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Olive oil for frying
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, browning on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the cooked meatballs back into the sauce. Let them simmer in the sauce for 10-15 minutes to cook through.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta and meatball mixture. Stir to combine and evenly spread out the meatballs and pasta.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and the remaining grated Parmesan.
- Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Meatballs: You can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also add herbs such as basil or oregano to the meatballs for extra flavor.
- Pasta: Use your favorite pasta shape, such as rotini, fusilli, or spaghetti.
- Cheese: Try using a combination of mozzarella and provolone cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs or skip the meatballs altogether and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
How do I make sure my meatballs stay moist?
To ensure your meatballs stay juicy, don’t overmix the meat mixture, and try adding a little milk to the breadcrumbs for extra moisture.
Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute homemade meatballs with store-bought meatballs to save time. Just ensure they are cooked before adding them to the casserole.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
What kind of pasta works best for this casserole?
Pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work great because their ridges help hold the sauce, but feel free to use any pasta you like!
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use provolone, cheddar, or even a combination of different cheeses for a unique flavor.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole. After baking, let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
How do I reheat frozen casserole?
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta sauces like Alfredo sauce or a homemade tomato sauce if you prefer a different flavor.
Can I make this casserole without meatballs?
Yes, you can make a meatless version of this casserole by adding roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein instead of meatballs
Print
Meatballs Pasta Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole, Pasta, Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Description
Meatballs Pasta Casserole is a hearty, delicious dish that combines tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this baked casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a cozy weeknight meal, this easy-to-make casserole is packed with flavor and will quickly become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, browning on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, add the meatballs back into the sauce. Simmer for 10-15 minutes to cook the meatballs through.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large casserole dish, combine the cooked pasta and meatball mixture. Stir to combine and spread evenly.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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