Meatball Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Meatball Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly dish that combines juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta or vegetables—all baked to perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks. This one-dish meal delivers bold flavor and satisfying texture in every bite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef or ground turkeybreadcrumbsparmesan cheeseminced garliconion powderItalian seasoningeggsalt and pepperolive oilmarinara saucemozzarella cheeseshredded cheddar cheese (optional)cooked pasta (like penne or ziti) or zucchini slices (for a low-carb version)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Form into small meatballs and brown them in a skillet with a bit of olive oil until all sides are golden (they don’t need to be fully cooked through).

If using pasta, cook it al dente according to package instructions and drain.

Layer cooked pasta (or zucchini slices) in the baking dish.

Top with browned meatballs and pour marinara sauce evenly over everything.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top (add cheddar for extra richness if desired).

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.Preparation time: 20 minutesBrowning and assembling time: 15 minutesBaking time: 30-35 minutesTotal time: 65-70 minutes

Variations

Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.

Add chopped spinach or kale to the casserole for extra greens.

Use ricotta cheese dollops between layers for a lasagna-like texture.

Swap pasta for cooked rice or mashed cauliflower.

Top with fresh basil or parsley before serving for added freshness.

storage/reheating

Store Meatball Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, just thaw them first and proceed with browning or add directly if already cooked.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely, assemble it a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best as they hold the sauce well.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta or substitute with zucchini.

Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Definitely! It’s cheesy, saucy, and filled with meatballs—kids usually love it.

Can I skip the pasta for a low-carb version?

Yes, zucchini or eggplant slices work well as a base instead of pasta.

How do I prevent it from becoming watery?

Drain the pasta well and avoid using too much sauce if adding vegetables that release water.

Can I add veggies to the mix?

Yes, chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.

Does it need to rest before serving?

A short rest helps the layers settle and makes it easier to serve.

What cheeses work best?

Mozzarella is classic, but provolone, parmesan, or fontina can enhance flavor.

Conclusion

Meatball Casserole is a satisfying, easy-to-make dish that brings together classic Italian flavors in a cozy, all-in-one bake. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a go-to that never disappoints. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming a regular in your dinner rotation.

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