The Best Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a meatball casserole promises comfort and joy on chilly evenings.

Warm layers of savory goodness await you in this delightful dish.

Hearty ingredients come together with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Cheese melts beautifully between tender meatballs and soft pasta.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet satisfying creation.

Families gather around the table, eager to dig into this crowd-pleasing meal.

You’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and again for its irresistible charm.

What Makes Meatball Casserole A Dinner Star

• Customize with Ease: Build your perfect burrito bowl by mixing and matching favorite toppings, making this recipe super flexible for different taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare this satisfying meal in minutes with simple ingredients, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious and nutritious dinner option.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, this burrito bowl appeals to both kids and adults, transforming a basic meal into a fun, interactive dining experience.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines protein-rich beef, hearty beans, fresh vegetables, and essential nutrients, delivering a balanced and wholesome meal in one colorful bowl.

Everything Needed For Meatball Casserole Success

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that forms the base of the delicious meatballs in this comforting casserole.
• Pasta: A classic carbohydrate that provides a satisfying foundation for the entire dish.
• Marinara Sauce: A zesty tomato-based sauce that adds rich flavor and moisture to the casserole.

• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Cheeses that provide a creamy, melty texture and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Egg: Key ingredients that help bind the meatballs together and create a tender texture.
• Garlic, Parsley, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and complexity to the meatball flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the meatballs and preventing the pasta from sticking.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A fresh herb garnish that adds a bright, final touch to the casserole.

How To Build A Meaty Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375F (190C). This will get everything ready for our mouthwatering meal.

Step 2: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil the pasta following the package guide. Once cooked, drain and give it a light toss with olive oil.

Set this pasta aside for the magic to come.

Step 3: Create Magnificent Meatballs

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Chopped parsley
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix all these ingredients in a large bowl until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Shape Meaty Delights

Roll the meat mixture into cute little meatballs, each about 1 inch in size.

Step 5: Brown the Meatballs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Gently fry the meatballs until they’re golden brown on all sides, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat once done.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

• Cooked pasta
• Marinara sauce
• Browned meatballs

Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 7: Bake to Cheesy Perfection

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt into bubbly, golden goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley.

Serve piping hot and enjoy your incredible creation!

Insider Tips For Cheesy Meatball Casserole Perfection

• Choose lean ground beef for a healthier version of the meatballs, reducing overall fat content.
• Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Prep meatballs ahead of time and freeze for quick weeknight meals, saving precious cooking time.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the sauce for increased nutrition and flavor boost.
• Use fresh herbs directly before serving to enhance the dish's aroma and create a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation.

Fun Ways To Change Up Meatball Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Meatball Casserole: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and add diced green chilies for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Lamb Meatball Casserole: Substitute ground beef with ground lamb, mix in feta cheese, use oregano instead of Italian seasoning, and top with crumbled feta before baking.
• Veggie-Loaded Meatball Casserole: Create vegetarian meatballs using lentils, quinoa, or plant-based meat substitute, incorporate roasted bell peppers and zucchini into the layers.

Great Companions For Meatball Casserole Plates

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty meatball casserole with a crisp garden salad and warm garlic bread. The fresh greens balance the rich, cheesy pasta while garlic bread helps soak up extra marinara sauce.
• Casual Potluck Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering. Transfer to a large serving platter, sprinkle extra fresh herbs on top, and watch friends devour every delicious bite. Perfect for feeding a hungry group.
• Game Day Comfort Meal: Prepare individual portions in small ramekins for easy football watching. Guests can grab their personal meatball casserole without missing a single play. Pair with cold beer or zesty soft drinks for ultimate game day enjoyment.

Store Meatball Casserole And Enjoy It Later

• Transfer leftover meatball casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date and contents to track storage time.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 10-15 minutes until heated completely.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned and cooked thoroughly.

• How do I prevent my meatballs from becoming tough?

Mix the ingredients gently and avoid overmixing. Overmixing can make meatballs dense and hard. Use a light touch when combining and shaping.

• Is it okay to use pre-made frozen meatballs?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs can be a convenient substitute. Just thaw and follow the baking instructions, adjusting cooking time as needed.

• What type of pasta works best for this casserole?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are ideal. They hold sauce well and create a hearty texture in the casserole.

Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty meatball casserole delivers classic comfort with Italian-inspired flavors that dance across palates. Melted cheese, savory marinara, and perfectly seasoned meatballs create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (or mixture of ground beef and pork)
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (Italian-style or plain)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tsp dried parsley)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for frying the meatballs)
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a casserole dish with non-stick spray.
2. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Create meatballs by gently mixing ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until just combined.
4. Form the meat mixture into uniform round balls, approximately 1-inch in diameter.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and carefully brown meatballs on all sides until golden, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Arrange a base layer of cooked pasta in the prepared casserole dish, spreading marinara sauce evenly across the surface.
7. Distribute browned meatballs over the sauce, ensuring even coverage.
8. Generously sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the entire casserole.
9. Slide the uncovered dish into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns slightly golden.
10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before garnishing with fresh chopped basil or parsley.
11. Serve immediately while hot and cheese is still bubbling.

Notes

• Customize meatball size for even cooking, ensuring they’re bite-sized and uniform to prevent uneven browning.
• Use lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version that maintains rich flavor and reduces overall fat content.
• Allow meatballs to rest briefly after frying to help them retain moisture and prevent crumbling during baking.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to maintain binding and texture.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg