Meatball Casserole is an easy family dinner made with tender meatballs, spaghetti, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella. Everything is tossed together and baked until hot and bubbly for a simple pasta casserole that’s ready in about 30 minutes.
Homemade or frozen meatballs both work, which makes this recipe easy to adapt depending on how much time you have. Add a simple salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a hearty comfort food dinner without a lot of prep.
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Ingredient Notes
- Meatballs: You’ll need 1½ pounds of meatballs. Homemade Italian meatballs are delicious here, but frozen meatballs make this casserole especially quick and easy. If using frozen, thaw them first.
- Spaghetti: Use 16 ounces of spaghetti, cooked just until al dente. The pasta will continue to soften slightly as the casserole bakes.
- Marinara Sauce: You’ll need 24 ounces of marinara sauce. Use your favorite store-bought sauce for convenience or homemade marinara when you have it on hand.
- Parmesan Cheese: A ½ cup of grated Parmesan is mixed into the casserole for salty, savory flavor that complements the marinara and meatballs.
- Mozzarella Cheese: One cup of shredded mozzarella creates the cheesy topping. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts especially well.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley is optional, but it adds a little freshness and color just before serving. 🍝🧀
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How to Make Meatball Casserole
Combine: Mix the meatballs, cooked spaghetti, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Spread into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Cook the pasta just until al dente.
- Use your favorite marinara sauce.
- Frozen meatballs make this extra easy.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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Casseroles I Love
Meatball Casserole
This Meatball Casserole is an easy family dinner made with tender meatballs, spaghetti, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, and plenty of melted mozzarella. Everything bakes together until hot and bubbly for a simple, cheesy pasta casserole that's perfect for busy weeknights. 🍝🧀
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
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly coat a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked spaghetti, meatballs, marinara sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Gently toss until the pasta and meatballs are evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread it into an even layer.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the mozzarella is completely melted.
For a lightly browned cheese topping, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching it closely.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve warm. 🍝🧀
Notes
Cook the spaghetti just until al dente so it doesn't become too soft while baking. Toss the pasta thoroughly with the marinara to keep every bite saucy. Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish for consistent heating. For a golden mozzarella topping, broil for 1–2 minutes after baking, watching it closely. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 583Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 94mgSodium: 1584mgCarbohydrates: 44gFiber: 6gSugar: 12gProtein: 28g
