Meatball Casserole Recipe

Craving a rich, hearty, and cheesy casserole that will satisfy the whole family? This Meatball Casserole combines tender meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta, and loads of melted cheese in one delicious dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or for serving a crowd. With a simple process and customizable ingredients, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into the full recipe and get cooking!

this Recipe

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What is Meatball Casserole?

Meatball Casserole is a comforting baked dish that layers tender, savory meatballs with a tomato-based marinara sauce, pasta, and gooey cheese. It’s essentially a cross between baked ziti and spaghetti and meatballs but packed into a cheesy, baked casserole format. This dish is great for potlucks, family gatherings, or any night when you need a satisfying, easy-to-make meal.

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Ingredients List for Meatball Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, here’s what you’ll need:

Meatballs:

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound (80-85% lean)
2. Ground Pork: ½ pound (optional, but adds flavor)
3. Breadcrumbs: ½ cup
4. Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup, grated
5. Egg: 1 large
6. Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
7. Onion: ½ small, finely chopped
8. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
9. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
10. Salt and Pepper: To taste
11. Olive Oil: For browning the meatballs

Casserole:

1. Pasta: 12 ounces (penne, ziti, or rigatoni work best)
2. Marinara Sauce: 3 cups (store-bought or homemade)
3. Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups
4. Shredded Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup
5. Fresh Basil or Parsley: For garnish (optional)

Optional Seasonings:

• Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch, for a little heat
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon

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Substitutions and Variations

Feel free to make adjustments to the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand:

1. Ground Meat: You can swap out the ground beef and pork for ground chicken, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute to make it vegetarian.
2. Pasta: While penne, ziti, or rigatoni are perfect for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you like, including gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
3. Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for a gooey, cheesy top, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like provolone, cheddar, or gouda for a unique flavor.
4. Marinara Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce for convenience or make your own at home with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
5. Vegetarian Option: Swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs or even roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make this hearty Meatball Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente (firm to the bite), according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Meatballs

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, chopped onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overworking the meat.
2. Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1 to 1 ½-inch meatballs (you should have about 18-24 meatballs).
3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally to brown all sides. You don’t need to cook them through at this stage—just brown the outside for flavor. Set the browned meatballs aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with 2 cups of marinara sauce, coating the pasta evenly.
2. Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the pasta mixture in an even layer in the greased baking dish. Top with half of the browned meatballs. Spread the remaining pasta and meatballs over the top.
3. Add Cheese and Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the casserole. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

1. Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to scoop out servings.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and color.

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

Here’s a quick summary of the key steps to making Meatball Casserole:

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente and set aside.
2. Make the Meatballs: Combine the meatball ingredients, form into balls, and brown them in a skillet.
3. Assemble the Casserole: Layer the pasta, meatballs, sauce, and cheese in a baking dish.
4. Bake: Cover and bake the casserole, then uncover and bake until golden and bubbly.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest, then garnish and serve.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. It will continue cooking in the oven, and you don’t want it to become mushy.
2. Overworking the Meatballs: When mixing the meatball ingredients, be gentle. Overworking the mixture can lead to tough, dense meatballs.
3. Not Browning the Meatballs: Browning the meatballs before baking adds a ton of flavor, so don’t skip this step! It also helps lock in the juices.
4. Too Much Sauce: While it’s tempting to add a lot of sauce, adding too much can make the casserole soupy. Stick to the recipe’s suggested amount for the best texture.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

How to Serve Meatball Casserole:

• Portions: Use a large spoon to scoop out generous portions of meatballs, pasta, and sauce.
• Side Dishes: Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

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Presentation Ideas for Meatball Casserole:

• Garnish: Top with fresh basil, parsley, or extra grated Parmesan to add a pop of color and flavor.
• Serving Dish: For a cozy, rustic presentation, serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet or a decorative baking dish.

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Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make It Ahead: You can assemble this casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, simply remove from the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cold.
• Freezing Option: Meatball casserole freezes well! You can freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, using store-bought frozen meatballs is a great time-saver. Just thaw them according to the package instructions and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Can I freeze Meatball Casserole?

Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

How long do leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the meatballs. Be sure to also use a gluten-free marinara sauce.

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Conclusion

This Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, packed with savory meatballs, tender pasta, marinara sauce, and melty cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy nights. Whether you make your own meatballs from scratch or use store-bought, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy this cheesy, meaty masterpiece!

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