Description
A hearty and comforting baked casserole made with tender meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and layers of melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or cozy weeknight meal.
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
Instructions
- Cook pasta until just al dente, then drain.
- In a skillet, warm meatballs with marinara sauce.
- In a large baking dish, layer pasta, meatballs with sauce, and cheeses.
- Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.
- Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Notes
- Use frozen meatballs for convenience.
- Cook pasta only until al dente to prevent mushiness.
- Make-ahead friendly: assemble a day in advance and refrigerate before baking.
- For a lighter version, replace pasta with roasted vegetables or spaghetti squash.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
- Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze before baking for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
