Description
This warm, cheesy Meatball Pasta Casserole is a comforting crowd-pleaser combining tender pasta, savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals that satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
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12 oz cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best)
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20–24 meatballs (homemade or store-bought)
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3 cups marinara or pasta sauce
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 small onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
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Cook pasta just shy of al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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If using raw meatballs, cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through.
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In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly.
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In a large bowl, combine pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Mix gently to coat evenly.
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Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Top with shredded mozzarella and sprinkle Parmesan on top.
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Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Undercook pasta slightly since it will cook more in the oven.
Use quality marinara for best flavor.
Let casserole rest 5–10 minutes before serving to set.
Broil cheese for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier top.
Add fresh basil or parsley before serving for a fresh flavor boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: meatball casserole, pasta bake, easy dinner, weeknight meal, family dinner, cheesy casserole, make-ahead dinner