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Meatball Casserole

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This Meatball Casserole recipe is a dish that will not only fill your belly but also warm your heart. This recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs, creamy, bubbling cheese, and a rich, robust sauce, all baked to perfection.

Meatball-casserole-on-spoon

It’s a beautiful fusion of flavors that come together to create an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking for a filling weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a special gathering, make your own homemade Italian meatballs or even use frozen this Meatball Casserole is your ticket to a meal that’s satisfying, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make.

meatball-casserole-plated

What you’ll love about this Casserole Recipe:

  • KID FRIENDLY – Meatball casserole is a dish that kids usually love. The juicy and flavorful meatballs, combined with the comforting texture of melted cheese and pasta, make it a hit among children. It’s a great way to get them excited about eating dinner and trying new flavors.
  • VERSATILE – One of the best things about meatball casserole is its versatility. You can customize it according to your family’s preferences and dietary restrictions. Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or even vegetarian meatballs, you can use your favorite meatball recipe or try out new variations. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of pasta, sauces, and cheeses to create unique flavor combinations.
  • INEXPENSIVE – Making a meatball casserole is a budget-friendly option for feeding a family. Ground meats, breadcrumbs, and pantry staples like pasta and canned tomatoes are generally affordable ingredients. Plus, you can stretch the dish further by adding vegetables or beans to the casserole, making it more filling without breaking the bank.
Meatball-casserole-in-casserole-pan

Ingredients for Meatball Casserole

  • 1 ½ Pounds Meatballs, Frozen or Homemade Italian Meatballs (if using frozen, thaw beforehand)
  • 24 oz Marinara Sauce
  • 8 oz Mozzarella cheese
  • 16 Oz Cooked Spaghetti or your favorite pasta
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
  • Fresh Parsley for garnish (optional)
Meatball-Casserole

Meatball Casserole Recipe

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  • In a large bowl, combine the meatballs, spaghetti, marinara sauce, and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and add to the prepared casserole dish.
  • aldente-pasta-in-bowl
  • meatballs-cheese-sauce-and-pasta
  • meatball-casserole-mixed-in-large-bowl
  • Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until hot, and bubbly and the cheese has melted and browned slightly. 
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and more parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
  • casserole-in-pan
  • top-with-mozzarella-cheese
  • garnish-with-parsley
spaghetti-and-meatball-on-a-fork

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose the right cheese: Select a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the meatballs, such as mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan. Sprinkle it on top of the casserole before baking for a cheesy and gooey result.
  • Use Different Pasta: We used Spaghetti but you can use any type of pasta you like like bowtie, ziti, Penne, or even elbow macaroni.
  • If using frozen meatballs, make sure to thaw them beforehand for even cooking.
  • For the best results: use homemade Italian Meatballs and Homemade Marinara sauce.
  • Add Veggies: Add any veggies you might prefer like spinach, broccoli, corn, or even beans. whatever your tastes prefer.
Meatball-casserole-on-plate-with-tray

FAQs about Meatball Casserole Recipe

A meatball casserole is a delicious dish made with seasoned meatballs, sauce, cheese, and sometimes vegetables, baked together in a casserole dish.

You can use ground beef, ground pork, or a combination of both. You can also incorporate ground turkey or chicken.

Yes! You can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This can save time when you’re ready to assemble the casserole.

Absolutely! Meatball casserole freezes well. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Yes, you can use pre-made frozen meatballs if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Yes! Adding diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini can add flavor and nutrition to your casserole. Sauté them before incorporating them into the casserole.

Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are popular choices for meatball casserole. However, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese that melt well and complement the flavors of the dish.

Absolutely! Meatball casserole pairs well with pasta such as spaghetti or penne. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.

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More Meatball Recipes

Meatball-Casserole
Meatball-casserole-in-casserole-pan

Meatball Casserole

Yield: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This Meatball Casserole recipe is a dish that will not only fill your belly but also warm your heart. This recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs, creamy, bubbling cheese, and a rich, robust sauce, all baked to perfection.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ Pounds Meatballs, Frozen or Homemade (if using frozen, thaw beforehand)
  • 16 Ounces Spaghetti, Cooked Al Dente
  • 24 Ounces Marinara Sauce, Store Bought or Homemade
  • ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 Cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
  • Fresh Parsley, For Garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9x13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the meatballs, spaghetti, marinara sauce, and parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly and add to the prepared casserole dish.
  3. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 20 minutes or until hot, bubbly and the cheese has melted and browned slightly. 
  4. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes.
  5. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and more parmesan cheese. Enjoy!

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 583Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 1584mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 6gSugar: 12gProtein: 28g

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© Adventures of a Nurse
Cuisine: American / Category: One Pot

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Welcome to the place where my two passions—healthcare and culinary arts—merge. I’m Carla Bushey, and I’ve transitioned from a dedicated nursing career of over 25 years into the dynamic world of food blogging. This space is dedicated to bringing you a treasure trove of recipes, each a testament to the tastes and traditions that resonate with my soul. My home, the beautiful Upstate New York, serves as the backdrop to my culinary creations, often inspired by the rich cultural heritage and the classic Italian cuisine of my hometown, Utica. Dishes like the beloved Chicken Riggies and the comforting Utica Greens are more than just recipes—they are stories, shared from my kitchen to yours.

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