Meatball Pasta Casserole is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring tender meatballs, pasta, and rich marinara sauce baked to perfection with melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a family dinner, meal prep, or a potluck favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Hearty and filling, perfect for family meals
- Can be made ahead for meal prep
- Packed with cheesy, saucy goodness
- Customizable with different meats, cheeses, and seasonings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
- Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Egg
- Garlic, minced
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
For the Casserole:
- Penne or rigatoni pasta
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Make the meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into small meatballs.
- Cook the meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Set aside.
- Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain.
- Assemble the casserole: In a baking dish, mix pasta with marinara sauce. Nestle meatballs into the pasta, then sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the meatballs or sauce.
- Cheesy Version: Use ricotta cheese between layers for extra creaminess.
- Meat Swap: Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables.
- Pesto Twist: Mix pesto into the marinara for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! Just thaw them slightly before baking or increase baking time.
What’s the best pasta for this casserole?
Penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best because they hold sauce well.
Do I need to cook the meatballs completely before baking?
No, browning them is enough—they’ll finish cooking in the oven.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes! Provolone, ricotta, or cheddar are great alternatives.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover with foil while baking and use enough sauce to keep everything moist.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach make great additions.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly.
Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, kids love the cheesy, saucy goodness of this casserole!
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs for the meatballs.
Conclusion
Meatball Pasta Casserole is an easy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings. With its rich marinara sauce, tender meatballs, and gooey melted cheese, this comforting casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it today for a delicious, homemade meal!
Print
Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This meatballs pasta casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish made with tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and baked pasta. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Casserole:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5 minutes). They don’t need to be fully cooked as they’ll finish in the oven.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large baking dish, mix cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning.
- Nestle the meatballs into the pasta mixture.
- Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
-
Bake:
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Use frozen meatballs for a quicker version—just thaw and add to the casserole.
- Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter option.