Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole
Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish — packed with juicy meatballs, tender pasta, rich marinara, and layers of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, busy weeknights, or make-ahead meals, this easy casserole delivers all the cozy, homemade flavor you crave without the extra fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked or frozen meatballs beef or turkey
- 12 oz short pasta penne, rigatoni, or rotini
- 3 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh basil red pepper flakes, or spinach
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Brown or bake homemade meatballs, or thaw frozen ones slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente; toss with a bit of sauce to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9x13” dish, spread sauce, then add pasta, meatballs, cheese layers, and repeat. Finish with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Rest & Serve: Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Don’t overcook pasta it will finish in the oven.
- For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan.
- Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.