Meatball Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for an easy, comforting dinner that's packed with flavor, look no further than Meatball Casserole! This dish brings together tender, juicy meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese all baked together into one satisfying casserole. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd. Whether you make it from scratch or use store-bought ingredients, this casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Read on for a step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and variations to customize this delicious dish.

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What Is Meatball Casserole?

Meatball Casserole is a hearty, Italian-inspired dish that combines all the classic elements of spaghetti and meatballs but bakes them into a cheesy, oven-finished casserole. Instead of serving meatballs over spaghetti, the meatballs are baked with pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. This dish is an excellent one-pan meal that’s full of rich flavors, with every bite packed with saucy meatballs, tender pasta, and gooey cheese.

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Ingredients List for Meatball Casserole

To make the ultimate Meatball Casserole, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. You can opt for homemade meatballs or use store-bought to save time.

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: You can use a mix of beef and pork for more flavorful meatballs or opt for lean ground beef if you prefer.
• Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, ziti, or rigatoni works best.
• Marinara Sauce: A high-quality store-bought or homemade marinara sauce will give the casserole its rich, tomato base.
• Cheese: Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses add the perfect cheesy layer.
• Eggs: Helps bind the meatballs together.
• Bread Crumbs: Adds texture and helps to keep the meatballs moist.
• Onions and Garlic: These aromatics add depth of flavor to both the meatballs and sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that gives the casserole its signature Italian flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish and to add freshness to the meatballs.

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Ingredients List (Serves 6-8)

Here’s a detailed list of ingredients for a casserole that serves 6-8 people:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound of ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup of breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• ½ medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

• 12 oz of pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 24 oz of marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced (for extra flavor in the sauce)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

This ingredient list ensures a perfectly balanced casserole, but you can adjust quantities based on your preferences or dietary needs.

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Substitutions and Variations

There are many ways to customize this Meatball Casserole to fit your personal tastes or make it healthier. Here are some ideas:

Meat:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. Ground pork or sausage can also be used for more flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Try using plant-based meatballs or homemade lentil or mushroom meatballs for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.

Cheese:

• Cheese Blends: Swap mozzarella for a blend of provolone, gouda, or fontina for a richer, meltier casserole.
• Dairy-Free Cheese: Use your favorite dairy-free cheese substitutes if you’re lactose-intolerant or vegan.

Sauce:

• Alfredo Sauce: For a creamier version, replace marinara with Alfredo sauce or a mixture of both.
• Spicy Marinara: Add crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce for a bit of heat.

These substitutions allow you to tweak the casserole to fit your preferences without sacrificing flavor or texture.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your delicious Meatball Casserole:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2: Make the Meatballs

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything until combined, but avoid overmixing as it can make the meatballs tough.

Roll the meat mixture into 1- to 1.5-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Brown the Meatballs

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking them through – they will finish cooking in the oven. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the meatballs are browning, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

In the same skillet used for the meatballs, add a bit more olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the marinara sauce and let it simmer for 5 minutes.

In your greased baking dish, spread a small layer of the marinara sauce. Add the cooked pasta, then nestle the browned meatballs into the pasta. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure the pasta and meatballs are well coated.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.

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How to Cook Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Prep and Cook

Prepare your meatballs and pasta simultaneously to save time. Brown the meatballs for added flavor and texture, and make sure the pasta is al dente so it holds up in the casserole.

Step 2: Assemble and Bake

Layer the ingredients in the baking dish, starting with the sauce, then pasta, meatballs, and cheese. Baking the dish with foil keeps everything moist, while removing it allows the cheese to crisp up.

Step 3: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking so the sauce thickens and the dish holds together when serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Pasta: Pasta should be al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy.
• Undercooked Meatballs: Brown the meatballs well before baking them in the casserole. This adds flavor and ensures they are fully cooked through.
• Too Little Sauce: Don’t skimp on the sauce! The pasta will absorb some of it, so make sure there’s enough to keep the casserole moist.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Meatball Casserole is ready to go, it’s time to think about presentation and side dishes.

How to Serve Meatball Casserole

This dish is rich and filling, so it pairs well with lighter sides such as a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a side of sautéed spinach or steamed broccoli for some added greens.

Presentation Ideas for Meatball Casserole

• Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top before serving for a fresh pop of color.
• Individual Portions: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation at a dinner party.

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Meatball Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well! After assembling (but before baking), wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Leftover casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or bake at 350°F until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and brown the meatballs up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake the casserole when you’re ready.

Q: Can I freeze the Meatball Casserole?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Q: What’s the best pasta to use for this casserole?
A: Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti works best as it holds up well in the casserole and soaks up the sauce without getting mushy.

Q: Can I use store-bought meatballs?
A: Yes, store-bought frozen or fresh meatballs work great for a time-saving option. Just make sure to thaw and brown them before adding them to the casserole.

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Conclusion

The Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With juicy meatballs, tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and loads of melted cheese, this casserole is packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you make it from scratch or use store-bought shortcuts, it’s sure to be a hit. Try it tonight for an easy, satisfying meal!

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