Meatball Casserole Recipe

Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and lots of melted cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying on a cozy night at home. This Meatball Casserole Recipe is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and customizable to suit your preferences. Read on for the full recipe, plus tips on how to make this dish even more delicious.

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What is Meatball Casserole?

Meatball Casserole is a baked dish made with meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese. It’s similar to baked ziti or lasagna but with meatballs instead of ground meat. The meatballs can be homemade or store-bought, and they are baked in the casserole along with the pasta and sauce until bubbly and golden. The dish is topped with plenty of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients List for Meatball Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Meatball Casserole that serves about 6-8 people:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of ground beef and pork)
  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil (for frying the meatballs)
• For the Casserole:
  • 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
  • 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tossing the pasta)
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List for Additional Variations

Here are a few optional ingredients and variations you can add to customize your Meatball Casserole:

• For extra heat: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the meatball mixture.
• Vegetarian option: Use plant-based meatballs and omit the Parmesan for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
• Different cheeses: Use provolone, fontina, or a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for a different flavor.
• Extra vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the pasta for added texture and nutrition.

Substitutions and Variations

This Meatball Casserole Recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to switch up the ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand:

1. Meatball Substitutes: You can use store-bought frozen meatballs if you're short on time. Just thaw and brown them slightly before adding to the casserole. For a lighter version, try using ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meatballs.
2. Pasta Choices: Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti works best for this casserole because it holds up well during baking. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.
3. Cheese Options: Mozzarella is the classic choice for this recipe, but you can mix in other cheeses like provolone, fontina, or even gouda for added flavor. Feel free to sprinkle some extra Parmesan or Romano on top for a crispy, cheesy crust.
4. Vegetables: To make the dish more nutritious, add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the casserole. They’ll add texture and flavor without overpowering the meatballs and pasta.
5. Marinara Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought marinara sauce, but for extra depth of flavor, try making your own homemade tomato sauce with garlic, onions, and crushed tomatoes.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

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

Let’s walk through how to make this Meatball Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Mix the Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined.
2. Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (you should get about 16-20 meatballs).
3. Cook the Meatballs: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. (The meatballs don’t have to be cooked through at this stage as they will finish cooking in the oven.) Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the pasta and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. First Layer: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
2. Second Layer: Add half of the cooked pasta in an even layer over the sauce.
3. Third Layer: Arrange the browned meatballs over the pasta.
4. Fourth Layer: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, spreading it evenly to cover everything.
5. Fifth Layer: Add the remaining pasta on top, followed by the shredded mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this Meatball Casserole is easy to make, here are a few things to watch out for:

1. Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente. Since it will continue to cook in the oven, overcooking it initially can result in mushy pasta in the casserole.
2. Not browning the meatballs: Browning the meatballs before baking gives them a deeper flavor and helps them hold their shape in the casserole. Don’t skip this step, even if you're using pre-made or frozen meatballs.
3. Overbaking the casserole: Keep an eye on the casserole once you remove the foil to avoid over-browning the cheese. If the top is browning too quickly, you can place the foil back on during the final minutes of baking.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Although this Meatball Casserole is a rustic dish, you can still make it look and taste extra special with a few simple touches.

How to Serve Meatball Casserole

1. Family-Style: Serve the casserole straight from the baking dish for a cozy, family-style dinner. Let everyone scoop out their portions and enjoy.
2. Individual Portions: For a neater presentation, scoop the casserole into individual plates or bowls. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan and a garnish of fresh basil for a restaurant-quality touch.

Presentation Ideas for Meatball Casserole

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley brightens up the dish and adds a fresh pop of color.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the casserole with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
• Top with Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese on top of each serving for a finishing touch.

Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

1. Make it Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the bake time by a few minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
2. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Prepare the dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
3. Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a large crowd, double the recipe and bake it in two separate dishes. This casserole is perfect for potlucks, gatherings, or meal prepping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs to save time. Just thaw them according to the package instructions, brown them lightly in a skillet, and proceed with the recipe.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that your breadcrumbs and sauces are gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs or add a layer of sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version.

Conclusion

This Meatball Casserole Recipe is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner, a gathering with friends, or meal prepping for the week. With layers of pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a comforting, hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or add your own creative twists, this casserole is bound to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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