Description
This Meatball Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — tender meatballs, al dente pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese all baked into one bubbly, satisfying dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or prepping in advance, it’s a cozy, no-fuss dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs (or use pre-made):
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1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey
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1 egg
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¼ cup breadcrumbs
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2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
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12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
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1 jar (24 oz / 680g) marinara or pasta sauce
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Optional: chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1 – Cook Pasta:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Make Meatballs (if not using pre-made):
In a bowl, mix meat, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch balls.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through — they’ll finish in the oven).
Step 3 – Assemble Casserole:
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella. Stir to combine. Gently fold in the browned meatballs.
Step 4 – Bake:
Pour everything into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and all of the Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 5 – Garnish and Serve:
Let rest for 5–10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
Notes
Shortcut: Use frozen fully-cooked meatballs to save time.
Add-ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be mixed in for extra veggies.
Make-Ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze assembled (unbaked) casserole tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding ~15–20 minutes to cook time.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: meatball pasta bake, casserole recipe, baked ziti with meatballs, family dinner, freezer meal, cheesy pasta casserole, comfort food