Name: Meatball Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 lb meatballs (homemade or frozen); 4 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

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A warm and hearty meatball casserole is one of those dishes I find myself craving whenever I want something comforting and filling. It combines tender meatballs, savory sauce, and plenty of melted cheese, all baked together for a dish that feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this meatball casserole is to put together, especially on busy nights. It gives me the rich flavors of Italian-style comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. I can use homemade meatballs or even frozen ones, which makes this recipe flexible. What really makes me enjoy it most is the cheesy, bubbly top and the way the flavors all come together in the oven.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meatballs (homemade or frozen)
Marinara or spaghetti sauce
Pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Ricotta or cottage cheese (optional for creaminess)
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta until just al dente, then drain it.
While the pasta cooks, I warm up the meatballs in a skillet with marinara sauce.
In a large baking dish, I layer the pasta, meatballs with sauce, and cheeses.
I sprinkle Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra flavor.
I bake the casserole uncovered at 375°F until the cheese is melted and bubbly, usually about 25–30 minutes.
Once baked, I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, and I like to sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe typically serves 6 people. From start to finish, it takes about 45 minutes: 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking.

Variations

I sometimes swap pasta for cooked rice or even roasted vegetables if I want a lighter version. If I’m in the mood for more spice, I add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a richer dish, I like mixing ricotta into the pasta layer before baking. Using different cheeses like provolone or fontina also changes up the flavor nicely.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until hot, or I heat individual portions in the microwave. If I want to freeze it, I assemble the casserole before baking, wrap it well, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight and bake as usual.

FAQs

Can I make this meatball casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When I’m ready, I bake it, adding a few extra minutes since it starts cold.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Absolutely. I like using frozen meatballs when I want to save time. I just heat them in sauce before layering in the casserole.

Do I need to cook the pasta fully before baking?

I prefer cooking pasta just until al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven and soak up the sauce without turning mushy.

Can I make this casserole without pasta?

Yes, I sometimes make a low-carb version by replacing pasta with roasted zucchini or spaghetti squash.

How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?

I make sure there’s plenty of sauce when layering. If it looks a little dry before baking, I add an extra half cup of sauce.

Conclusion

This meatball casserole is one of my go-to dinners when I want something cozy, cheesy, and filling. I like how versatile it is, and it always comes out satisfying whether I make it from scratch or take a few shortcuts. It’s the kind of meal I know I can count on to please everyone at the table.

Meatball Casserole