Looking for a hearty and satisfying dish that combines your love for meatballs and cheesy casseroles? This Meatball Casserole recipe is exactly what you need! Featuring tender homemade or store-bought meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and a gooey layer of melted cheese, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family dinners. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines all the comforting flavors of Italian cuisine into one easy-to-prepare dish. Whether you’re serving a family gathering or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will become a household favorite. Read on for the full recipe, tips, and variations!

What Is Meatball Casserole?
A Meatball Casserole is a layered dish that typically includes cooked meatballs, a flavorful tomato or marinara sauce, pasta or vegetables, and a generous layer of cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s like a mash-up of spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna, but with a lot less hassle! The best part about this casserole is its versatility. You can use homemade meatballs, frozen meatballs, or even mix up the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether you prefer it with pasta or served with crusty bread on the side, this casserole is all about comfort and convenience.
Ingredients List for Meatball Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic Meatball Casserole:
For the Meatballs (if making homemade):
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork) – The key to tender, flavorful meatballs.
- ½ cup breadcrumbs – Helps bind the meatballs together and keeps them moist.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the meatballs.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the meat mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – For a kick of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley – Adds freshness to the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For a classic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt – For seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – For seasoning.
For the Casserole:
- 1 lb cooked pasta (penne, ziti, or rigatoni) – A sturdy pasta works best to hold up to the sauce and meatballs.
- 2 cups marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade marinara sauce.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – For that irresistible cheesy top.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, savory flavor.
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning – Optional, to sprinkle over the cheese.
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional) – For garnish.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this Meatball Casserole is its flexibility. Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:
- Meat Variations: Use a mixture of ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken for the meatballs. You can even use store-bought frozen meatballs if you’re short on time.
- Cheese Options: Swap mozzarella with provolone or use a combination of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to the casserole for extra nutrition. You can also layer roasted red peppers or onions into the dish.
- Sauce Varieties: While marinara sauce is traditional, feel free to experiment with creamy alfredo sauce or a pink sauce (a mix of marinara and cream) for a different flavor.
- Pasta Substitutes: Instead of pasta, you can layer the meatballs with vegetables like eggplant or zucchini slices for a lower-carb version. Spaghetti squash or cauliflower florets are also great alternatives.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños for a spicier casserole.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Meatball Casserole from scratch:
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Meatballs (if making from scratch)
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mixture), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix everything together until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the meatballs tough.
Roll the mixture into 1 ½-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
3. Brown the Meatballs
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until they are browned on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the casserole. Once browned, remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
(If using frozen pre-cooked meatballs, simply thaw and follow the next steps without browning them.)
4. Cook the Pasta
While the meatballs are browning, cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. Assemble the Casserole
In your prepared casserole dish, layer as follows:
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish.
- Add half of the cooked pasta on top of the sauce.
- Place half of the browned meatballs over the pasta.
- Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Repeat these layers, using the rest of the pasta, meatballs, marinara sauce, and another cup of mozzarella cheese.
Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning (if using) evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly with golden spots.
7. Garnish and Serve
Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy!
How to Cook Meatball Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
To summarize:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make and brown the meatballs (or use pre-made meatballs).
- Cook the pasta until al dente.
- Assemble the casserole by layering marinara sauce, pasta, meatballs, and cheese.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this Meatball Casserole is an easy recipe, here are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Pasta: Make sure the pasta is cooked just until al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in the casserole.
- Skipping the Foil: Covering the casserole for the first part of baking ensures the cheese doesn’t brown too quickly and gives the meatballs and pasta time to heat through.
- Not Draining the Pasta Properly: Be sure to drain the pasta thoroughly to prevent excess water from making the casserole too soupy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Meatball Casserole, presentation matters. Here are some ideas to make your dish even more inviting:
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the casserole with some garlic bread or a loaf of crusty Italian bread to mop up the extra sauce.
- Add a Fresh Salad: A simple Caesar or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with this rich and cheesy dish.
- Portion for Guests: For a more formal dinner, portion the casserole onto individual plates and garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole
This casserole is a full meal on its own, but here are a few sides and accompaniments that can make it even more satisfying:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect side to soak up the extra marinara sauce.
- Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, for a healthier option.
Presentation Ideas for Meatball Casserole
To add an elegant touch to your Meatball Casserole, try these presentation ideas:
- Cast-Iron Skillet: Bake and serve the casserole in a cast-iron skillet for a rustic, hearty presentation.
- Layered in a Glass Baking Dish: Use a glass baking dish to showcase the layers of pasta, meatballs, and cheese for a visually appealing presentation.
- Individual Portions: For a dinner party, consider serving the casserole in individual oven-safe dishes for personalized servings.
Meatball
Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming from the fridge.
- Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Use Leftover Meatballs: If you have leftover meatballs from another meal, this is a great way to repurpose them!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen meatballs in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Frozen meatballs are a great time-saver. Just thaw them before using and follow the recipe as written.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking straight from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Conclusion
Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and gooey cheese into a single, satisfying dish. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought meatballs, this casserole is easy to assemble and makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or meal-prep option. With endless variations and substitutions, you can tailor this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand. Try it today, and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal that the whole family will love!
PrintMeatball Casserole Recipe
This Meatball Casserole recipe combines tender homemade or store-bought meatballs with al dente pasta, marinara sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. It’s an easy, hearty dinner perfect for weeknights or gatherings, offering layers of Italian-inspired flavors. This cheesy casserole is a hit with the whole family and makes for great leftovers!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)
- 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and ricotta (if using).
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to a greased casserole dish. Layer with cooked meatballs and half of the mozzarella.
- Add the remaining pasta mixture on top, and sprinkle with the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- For a shortcut, use store-bought frozen meatballs.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 1100mg
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