Meatball Casserole Recipe: Hearty & Cheesy Family Favorite

Looking for a hearty and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for sharing? This Meatball Casserole Recipe combines tender, flavorful meatballs, saucy pasta, and gooey melted cheese into one irresistible dish.

It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when you want a meal packed with classic Italian flavors.

What Is Meatball Casserole?

Meatball Casserole is a layered dish that combines juicy meatballs, a rich marinara sauce, tender pasta, and melted cheese.

Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is a one-pan wonder that’s both satisfying and easy to customize.

Think of it as the ultimate comfort food, bringing together all the flavors of spaghetti and meatballs in a convenient, shareable format.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Meatball Casserole Recipe

This recipe serves 6–8.

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Optional Additions:

• 1 cup spinach or kale (chopped, for added greens)
• ½ cup diced bell peppers (for a pop of color and flavor)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Use plant-based meatballs and a vegetarian marinara sauce.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Cheese Options: Try provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Meatball Casserole

1. Preheat the Oven

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

2. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Meatballs

• In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
• Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

4. Cook the Meatballs

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. (The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage as they’ll finish cooking in the oven.)

5. Assemble the Casserole

• Spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Add the cooked pasta, followed by the browned meatballs. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
• Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake

• Cover the casserole 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.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the casserole.
• Skipping the Browning Step: Browning the meatballs adds depth of flavor and ensures they hold their shape in the casserole.
• Uneven Sauce Distribution: Spread the marinara sauce evenly to ensure every bite is flavorful.
• Burning the Cheese: Watch closely during the final minutes of baking to prevent the cheese from over-browning.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Pair with Sides: Serve with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
• Family-Style Presentation: Serve directly from the baking dish for a cozy, homestyle vibe.
• Individual Portions: Plate servings with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a sprig of basil for a polished look.

Expert Tips

• Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Reheat Leftovers: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or in the microwave until heated through.
• Freeze for Later: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! If using frozen meatballs, thaw them before assembling the casserole for even cooking.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

What’s the best way to add vegetables to this casserole?
Mix chopped spinach, kale, or bell peppers into the marinara sauce before assembling the casserole.

Conclusion

This Meatball Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.

Try it tonight and bring the warmth and taste of Italian home cooking to your table!