Description
This Meatball Pasta Casserole is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Juicy meatballs are tossed with pasta and marinara, then topped with melty mozzarella and baked until bubbly. It’s simple, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family. Perfect for meal prepping or freezing ahead!
Ingredients
For the Meatballs (or use pre-made):
-
1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
-
¼ cup breadcrumbs
-
1 egg
-
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
-
12 oz (340g) penne or rigatoni pasta
-
1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara sauce
-
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
1 tbsp olive oil (for browning meatballs)
-
Optional: fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook Pasta:
Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Make the Meatballs:
Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch balls. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs (they don’t need to be fully cooked).
Step 3 – Assemble the Casserole:
In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta with marinara sauce and half the mozzarella. Fold in the browned meatballs.
Step 4 – Bake:
Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan on top.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve:
Rest for 5–10 minutes. Top with chopped fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs to save time.
Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra veggies.
Can be prepped up to 1 day ahead or frozen before baking.
Reheats well and makes great leftovers!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: meatball casserole, pasta bake, baked ziti with meatballs, cheesy pasta bake, family dinner, freezer-friendly recipe