Easy Meatball Casserole Recipe
This cozy meatball casserole bakes tender pasta and saucy meatballs under a blanket of melty cheeses. It’s comforting, simple, and weeknight-friendly.
Pin This Recipe For Later!
Share The Yum On Facebook
Print
Servings:
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb frozen fully cooked beef meatballs
- 3 cup uncooked penne or ziti pasta
- 3.5 cup marinara or pasta sauce
- 1.25 cup water or low-sodium broth
- 2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.75 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.75 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 0.75 tsp fine sea salt adjust to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil for greasing the dish
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk sauce, water, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Scatter dry pasta and frozen meatballs into the prepared dish. Pour the seasoned sauce over and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, stir well, then dollop ricotta over the top. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered 12 to 18 minutes, until pasta is tender and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden. Broil 1 to 2 minutes if you like extra color.
- Rest 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
Variation: Swap in turkey meatballs or use arrabbiata sauce for a spicier bake. Add a handful of baby spinach or sliced bell peppers under the cheese for extra veggies.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat covered with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Easy Meatball Casserole Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.