Meatball Casserole Parmesan is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this casserole pairs beautifully with pasta, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad for a satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: A hearty and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients come together in one dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Adjust the flavors, cheeses, or add-ins to suit your preferences.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead for busy nights.
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 pepper
For the Casserole:
- Marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
- Ricotta cheese (layered for extra creaminess)
Directions
Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through.
Assemble the Casserole:
- Prepare the Dish: In a large casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Layer Meatballs: Arrange the cooked meatballs over the sauce in an even layer.
- Add Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
- Serve: Serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
- Cheesy Layers: Add dollops of ricotta cheese between the meatballs and sauce for a creamier texture.
- Veggie Boost: Include sautéed spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms in the layers.
- Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy marinara sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the marinara is gluten-free.
- Turkey Meatballs: Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
- Freezing: Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, precooked frozen meatballs work well. Thaw them first for even cooking.
What type of marinara sauce should I use?
A high-quality store-bought sauce or homemade marinara works best. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
How do I prevent the cheese from over-browning?
Cover the casserole with foil during baking and remove it for the last 10 minutes to let the cheese bubble and brown.
Can I add pasta directly to the casserole?
Yes, mix cooked pasta with the marinara sauce before layering with the meatballs.
What’s the best cheese blend for this dish?
Mozzarella for meltiness and Parmesan for flavor are classic, but you can add provolone or fontina for extra richness.
Can I cook the meatballs in the sauce instead of baking?
Yes, you can simmer the raw meatballs in the marinara sauce until cooked through, but they may not have the same browned exterior.
What sides pair well with this casserole?
Serve with garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-free version.
How do I avoid the casserole being too watery?
Use a thick marinara sauce and ensure the meatballs are cooked and drained well before assembling.
Conclusion
Meatball Casserole Parmesan is a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family dinner. With its tender meatballs, rich marinara, and melted cheese, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Customize it with your favorite flavors, make it ahead for convenience, and serve it alongside pasta or bread for a meal everyone will love!
PrintMeatball Casserole Parmesan
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Meatball Casserole Parmesan is a hearty, comforting dish featuring juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the casserole:
- 12 oz (340 g) cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Assemble the casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add the cooked pasta, meatballs, and remaining marinara sauce. Toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 3: Bake the casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Customizations: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave