Meatball Casserole Recipe

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.

Jump to:

• Meatball Pasta Bake
• Meatball Recipes
• Ingredients For Meatball Casserole Recipe
• Recipe For Meatball Casserole
• Tips for Making Meatballs Casserole
• Can You Make Meatball Pasta Casserole Ahead Of Time?
• What Pasta Works Best In Casseroles?
• How Do You Store Meatball Casserole Recipe?
• 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 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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Can You Make Meatball Pasta Casserole Ahead Of Time?

Absolutely! Preparing your casserole in advance is a great way to save time and make meal planning easier. 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.

Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta to find the one that you like best.

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.

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 ContainerWisenvoy 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 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 CarrierLifewit 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 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

📖 Recipe