Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make baked pasta dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender pasta, savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese into a one-dish meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor. Topped with fresh parsley and served warm, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as ziti, rotini, or penne)
- 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed)
- 24 ounce marinara sauce
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared dish, add the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, low sodium beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine and make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce and liquid.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After this time, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente; if not, bake for an additional 5 minutes covered.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is tender, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 5–10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, serve warm, and enjoy with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure to thaw the meatballs beforehand for even cooking.
- You can substitute the beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- For a spicier casserole, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
- If you want a cheesier top, add extra mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
