Description
Hearty Meatball Casserole brings comfort from Italian kitchens straight to your dinner table. Layers of savory meatballs, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound (1 lb) cooked meatballs (homemade or frozen)
Pasta and Sauce:
- 12 ounces (12 oz) pasta (penne or ziti)
- 3 cups marinara sauce
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (12 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Heat the oven to a moderate temperature and prepare a baking dish with a light coating of oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring it remains slightly firm. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Create a robust sauce mixture by combining marinara, Italian herbs, and ricotta cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Layer the initial portion of pasta-sauce blend into the prepared baking dish, creating an even base.
- Arrange pre-cooked meatballs uniformly across the pasta foundation, covering the entire surface.
- Strategically sprinkle the first portion of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
- Pour the remaining pasta-sauce combination over the initial layer, creating a second substantial tier.
- Generously top the casserole with additional mozzarella and a complementary dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Transfer the assembled casserole to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust, approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Once removed from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.
- Allow the casserole to rest momentarily before serving to enhance flavor melding and ease of portioning.
Notes
- Choose shorter pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni to hold sauce better and create easier eating experience.
- Use pre-cooked frozen meatballs to save time or make homemade for extra flavor control.
- Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese alternatives to accommodate plant-based diets.
- Assemble casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg