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    Home » Updates

    Meatball Casserole Recipe

    Modified: Jun 20, 2025 · Published: Jun 26, 2024 by Vicky · This post may contain affiliate links · 11 Comments

    25 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video

    Craving a comforting, homemade meal but pressed for time? Look no further for easy casserole recipes. Our Meatball Casserole Recipe is here to save the day. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious and hearty dinner ready for your family.

    This dish is perfect for busy parents who want to serve something that kids will eat without spending hours in the kitchen. Another family favorite is Crockpot Meatball Subs Recipe.

    meatball casserole pin
    Jump to:
    • Meatball Pasta Bake
    • Meatball Recipes
    • Ingredients For Meatball Casserole Recipe
    • Recipe For Meatball Casserole
    • Tips for Making Meatballs Casserole
    • FAQs For Pasta and Meatball Casserole
    • Pasta Bakes
    • Best Casserole Supplies
    • Casserole Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    Meatball Pasta Bake

    This meatball casserole isn't just tasty; it's incredibly helpful if you have a busy schedule. It's an all-in-one dish that combines pasta, meatballs, and a rich marinara sauce, all baked to perfection. It's sure to become one of your favorite beef recipes.

    The best part is that making it requires minimal effort, which means it is perfect for those hectic weeknights when you’re juggling work, school, and everything in between. Not only does it save you time, but it also simplifies your dinner routine without sacrificing flavor.

    meatball casserole

    Meatball Recipes

    Meatballs are very versatile and can be used in an array of recipes beyond the classic spaghetti and meatballs. Meatballs can be incorporated into a variety of meals, making them comforting and filling.

    Whether you're using beef, pork, chicken, or a mix, meatball recipes are a fantastic way to please the whole family with minimal fuss. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy meatballs.

    • Instant Pot Swedish Meatballs
    • Baked Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs
    • 4 Ingredient Easy Meatballs
    • Instant Pot Glazed Orange Meatballs

    Ingredients For Meatball Casserole Recipe

    • Pasta: I used penne for this recipe since it holds the sauce well. Feel free to substitute with any pasta you have on hand.
    • Meatballs: Thawed, pre-made meatballs are a huge time-saver.
    • Marinara Sauce: Use a high-quality jarred sauce or make your own. I love this homemade marinara sauce recipe.
    • Beef Broth: Used to help cook the pasta directly in the casserole dish while adding flavor.
    • Seasonings: Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper bring out the best in the meatballs and sauce.
    • Cheese: Shredded mozzarella melts beautifully in this dish and creates a gooey, delicious layer.
    • Parsley: Optional. Freshly chopped parsley adds a touch of color to the presentation.
    ingredients for meatball casserole

    Recipe For Meatball Casserole

    Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees and greasing a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Add the meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, beef broth, and seasonings directly into the dish, stirring everything together to ensure even distribution.

    meatballs in casserole pan
    pasta and meatballs in casserole dish
    sauce over pasta and meatballs in baking dish
    sauce and seasoning on pasta in pan

    Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb the flavors. After the initial baking period, remove the foil, stir the casserole, and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

    meatball and pasta bake
    mozzarella on pasta bake

    Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Finally, chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the casserole for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

    fork full of meatball casserole

    Tips for Making Meatballs Casserole

    Tip 1: Since this recipe is simple, use the best ingredients you can afford. Choose quality pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese. Quality ingredients really make a difference in the final taste of your dish, so it's worth spending a little extra.

    Tip 2: Stir the ingredients well before baking to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. This helps spread the sauce, cheese, and all the tasty extras evenly.

    Tip 3: Don't skip the parsley—it brings a nice freshness that balances the dish. Fresh parsley can really take your pasta bake to the next level, adding a pop of color and a burst of flavor that goes perfectly with the rich cheese and sauce.

    casserole with meatballs and pasta

    FAQs For Pasta and Meatball Casserole

    Can You Make Meatball Pasta Casserole Ahead Of Time?

    Yes! Just assemble the casserole according to the directions, cover it with aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

    When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven and place the covered casserole inside. Since everything will be cold from the fridge, be sure to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

    What Pasta Works Best In Casseroles?

    Most short pasta shapes, such as ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli, work great in casseroles. The key is to use uncooked pasta when mixing it with the other ingredients. Short pasta shapes tend to hold up better during baking and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

    How Do You Store Meatball Casserole Recipe?

    Storing your meatball casserole is a breeze! Simply let it cool to room temperature and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can pop it in the fridge, where it'll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.

    If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and it'll last for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.

    plate of meatball casserole

    Pasta Bakes

    Pasta bakes are a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. They're incredibly flexible, allowing you to tweak recipes based on what you have in the fridge or pantry.

    Plus, once you've prepped everything, you just pop it in the oven and let it bake to gooey, bubbly perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, pasta bakes are a surefire way to bring everyone to the table with a smile.

    • Hawaiian Pizza Pasta Bake
    • Cheesy Vegetable Pasta Bake
    • Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Bake
    • Ham Mac and Cheese Pasta Bake

    Best Casserole Supplies

    To make this meatball casserole, you'll need a few basic kitchen tools. A 9×13 inch casserole dish is the perfect size for this recipe. A silicone spatula helps in mixing ingredients. Additionally, a baking pan carrier works great for transporting this dish.

    You can easily find a variety of options to fit your needs and budget on Amazon.

    Pyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerPyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerPyrex Deep 9x13-Inch Glass Baking Dish with Lid, Deep Casserole Dish, Glass Food Container, Oven, Freezer and Microwave Safe, Clear ContainerWisenvoy Casserole Dish 9x13 Baking Pan Casserole Dishes For Oven Baking Dish Ceramic Lasagna Pan Baking Dishes For OvenWisenvoy Casserole Dish 9x13 Baking Pan Casserole Dishes For Oven Baking Dish Ceramic Lasagna Pan Baking Dishes For OvenWisenvoy Casserole Dish 9x13 Baking Pan Casserole Dishes For Oven Baking Dish Ceramic Lasagna Pan Baking Dishes For OvenLifewit Insulated Casserole Carrier for Hot or Cold Food, Casserole Dish Carrying Case, Lasagna Holder for Potluck Parties/Picnic/Cookouts, Fits 9Lifewit Insulated Casserole Carrier for Hot or Cold Food, Casserole Dish Carrying Case, Lasagna Holder for Potluck Parties/Picnic/Cookouts, Fits 9Lifewit Insulated Casserole Carrier for Hot or Cold Food, Casserole Dish Carrying Case, Lasagna Holder for Potluck Parties/Picnic/Cookouts, Fits 9Casserole Carrier For Hot or Cold Food,Casserole Carrier,Pie Carrier,Casserole Dish With Lid and Carrying Case,Insulated Food Warmer Bag For Party/Picnic.Keep Food Warm Pioneer Woman Dishes CarrierCasserole Carrier For Hot or Cold Food,Casserole Carrier,Pie Carrier,Casserole Dish With Lid and Carrying Case,Insulated Food Warmer Bag For Party/Picnic.Keep Food Warm Pioneer Woman Dishes CarrierCasserole Carrier For Hot or Cold Food,Casserole Carrier,Pie Carrier,Casserole Dish With Lid and Carrying Case,Insulated Food Warmer Bag For Party/Picnic.Keep Food Warm Pioneer Woman Dishes CarrierLifewit Insulated Double Casserole Carrier Thermal Lunch Tote for Potluck Parties, Picnic, Beach, Fits 9 x 13 Inches Casserole Dish, Expandable by Mid Zipper, GreyLifewit Insulated Double Casserole Carrier Thermal Lunch Tote for Potluck Parties, Picnic, Beach, Fits 9 x 13 Inches Casserole Dish, Expandable by Mid Zipper, GreyLifewit Insulated Double Casserole Carrier Thermal Lunch Tote for Potluck Parties, Picnic, Beach, Fits 9 x 13 Inches Casserole Dish, Expandable by Mid Zipper, GreyLenox Butterfly Meadow SpatulasLenox Butterfly Meadow SpatulasLenox Butterfly Meadow Spatulas

     

    With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this meatball and pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Remember, cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming to be delicious.

    Casserole Recipes

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      Crockpot Ravioli Casserole
    • broccoli casserole on plate
      Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
    • macaroni casserole in pan.
      Macaroni Casserole
    • Chicken Alfredo Casserole

    📖 Recipe

    plate of meatball casserole

    Meatball Casserole Recipe

    Vicky
    Looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner? Try our ultimate Meatball Casserole Recipe! Perfect for busy parents, this dish is ready in just 10 minutes of prep.
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 45 minutes mins
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 627 kcal

    Video

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb penne pasta uncooked
    • 1 lb meatballs thawed
    • 24 oz jar marinara sauce
    • 14.5 oz can beef broth
    • ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    • 8 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
    • 2 tablespoon fresh parsley

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
    • Combine the meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, beef broth, and seasonings in the dish, stirring thoroughly.
    • Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
    • Remove the casserole from the oven, discard the foil. Stir, then top with cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
    • Finely chop the parsley and sprinkle over the casserole.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    • Since this recipe is simple, you'll want to use the best quality ingredients you can afford. Opt for good pasta, marinara sauce, and cheese.
    • Make sure to stir the ingredients well before baking to make sure every bite is flavorful.
    • Don’t skip on the parsley—it adds a delightful freshness that balances the dish.
    Just a heads up: this nutritional info is an estimate based on online tools. Actual values might vary because of different factors.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 627kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 33gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 84mgSodium: 1.077mgPotassium: 803mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 871IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 247mgIron: 3mg
    Keyword meatball casserole recipe
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Comments

      5 from 6 votes

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      Recipe Rating




    1. DK says

      June 27, 2024 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      What a great dish! Everything I love in one casserole - meatballs, pasta, it was simply delicious!

      Reply
    2. Beth says

      June 27, 2024 at 12:56 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good! I love all the meatballs and sauce with the cheese. It was perfect for the family. It was also ridiculously easy, which is great.

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        June 28, 2024 at 12:28 pm

        I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the dish! The combination of meatballs, sauce, and cheese does sound delicious. It's wonderful that it was not only perfect for your family but also easy to prepare. Thanks for sharing your experience!

        Reply
    3. Paula says

      June 27, 2024 at 12:32 pm

      5 stars
      This meatball casserole was so easy and delicious! My kids loved it!

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        June 28, 2024 at 12:29 pm

        I'm thrilled to hear that you found the meatball casserole easy and delicious! It's fantastic that your kids loved it as well.

        Reply
    4. chara says

      June 27, 2024 at 12:24 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe, perfect for this summer.thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        June 28, 2024 at 12:29 pm

        I'm delighted to hear that you love the recipe! It's great to know that it's perfect for summer.

        Reply
    5. suja md says

      June 27, 2024 at 12:20 pm

      5 stars
      Wonderful Recipe, Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        June 28, 2024 at 12:30 pm

        Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe.

        Reply
    6. kushi says

      June 27, 2024 at 11:46 am

      5 stars
      Delicious casserole recipe for dinner. Pinned to try your recipe soon.

      Reply
      • Vicky says

        June 27, 2024 at 11:47 am

        So glad you enjoyed the casserole recipe! You're in for a treat when you give it a try. Let me know how it turns out for you.

        Reply
    Vicky from Mess for Less

    I'm Vicky, the founder of Mess For Less, which I started in 2011 to share easy, family-friendly recipes. With over a decade of experience as a home chef and recipe developer, I love creating meals that bring people together. I also design play and learning activities for kids, using my background as a former teacher with a Master’s degree in education. Learn more about me.

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