Name: Meatball Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492255H28M55S
Total time: PT-492255H28M55S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pasta (such as ziti, rotini, penne, or similar); 28 ounce bag frozen meatballs, thawed; 24 ounce marinara sauce; 3 cups low sodium beef broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 2½ cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded; Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Meatball Casserole Recipe with friends and family because it perfectly combines comfort, convenience, and bold flavors in one dish. The hearty meatballs, tender pasta, and rich marinara sauce all meld together beautifully after baking, making it a go-to meal that feels homemade without requiring endless prep time. Whenever I make this casserole, I find it has that wonderful balance of being satisfying yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, and it always brings smiles around the table.

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Casserole Recipe

What really excites me about this Meatball Casserole Recipe is how the flavors come together so effortlessly. The savory Italian seasoning paired with the slight kick from red pepper flakes gives the sauce a delightful depth that complements the simplicity of the meatballs and pasta. I love how the mozzarella cheese melts to a bubbly, golden finish on top, adding a luscious, gooey texture that makes every bite irresistible. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that somehow feels cozy and fresh all at once.

Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is because of the ease of preparation. Everything gets assembled in one baking dish, which means minimal cleanup and no fuss over multiple pots and pans. It’s one of those recipes that’s perfect for busy evenings when I want something hearty but simple. Plus, it’s versatile enough for casual family dinners, potlucks, or even holiday gatherings. It stands out because it fills the house with amazing aromas while baking and delivers a warm, satisfying meal that everyone enjoys.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two views of a meal preparation on a white marbled surface. On the left, a black skillet filled with small round meatballs covered in a thick, deep red tomato sauce fills the pan evenly. On the right, a white rectangular baking dish with red handles contains a base layer of light yellow egg noodles spread flat, topped on one side with a pile of the same meatballs in red sauce, and on the other side with a mound of shredded white cheese. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet each plays an essential role in bringing this Meatball Casserole Recipe to life. The combination of pasta, meatballs, and sauce forms the base, while the seasonings and broth add layers of flavor and moisture needed for baking. The mozzarella cheese crowns the dish with that perfect golden melt that I always look forward to.

1 pound dried pasta: I prefer ziti or penne because their shape holds the sauce well and helps keep the casserole hearty.
28 ounce bag frozen meatballs (thawed): These speed up the cooking process and add comforting, savory bites throughout.
24 ounce marinara sauce: A rich, tangy base that infuses the whole dish with classic Italian flavor.
3 cups low sodium beef broth: It deepens the sauce flavor while keeping the pasta moist and tender.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs to enhance the sauce with aromatic complexity.
¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic layer that complements the meatballs.
¼ teaspoon onion powder: A subtle sweet depth that blends beautifully with the other spices.
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to brighten the entire casserole without overpowering.
2½ cups mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): Essential for that melty, bubbly topping everyone loves.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch when sprinkled on top before serving.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: In the baking dish, combine the dried noodles, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything gently to mix while trying to push the pasta down so it’s mostly submerged under the sauce and broth—this ensures even cooking throughout.

Step 3: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After this time, check if the pasta is al dente by tasting a piece. If it’s still a bit firm, return the dish to the oven for another 5 minutes to finish cooking.

Step 4: Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown.

Step 5: Serve the casserole warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and pair it with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. This step brings everything together wonderfully.

Servings and Timing

This Meatball Casserole Recipe makes about 6 hearty servings, which is perfect for a family dinner or leftovers that keep well. The prep time is quick—around 10 minutes—to gather ingredients and assemble the dish. The total cook time is approximately 45 to 50 minutes, allowing 40 minutes under foil plus 5 to 10 minutes for the cheese to melt and brown. There isn’t much resting time needed, but letting the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving helps it set nicely.

How to Serve This Meatball Casserole Recipe

A close-up view of a fork lifting a serving of rigatoni pasta coated in thick red tomato sauce, topped with a large browned meatball that has melted white cheese oozing and stretching down, with some rigatoni noodles draped over the meatball. In the background, more rigatoni pasta and meatballs with green herb garnish can be seen filling a white plate on a white marbled surface. The photo is bright with warm tones highlighting the texture of the pasta, sauce, and juicy meatballs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Meatball Casserole Recipe, I like to complement it with simple but tasty side dishes. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli work beautifully if you want to add some healthy greens without stealing the show. For bread, I always go for a warm, crusty garlic bread or a soft dinner roll, which is perfect for mopping up the sauce.

Presentation-wise, I sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley right before serving to add a pop of color and freshness. You can also add a light dusting of grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch. This casserole is best served hot or warm so the cheese stays gooey and comforting, but it also reheats well for leftovers. Portion-wise, I find a generous scoop satisfies most appetites, and leftovers are always a welcome treat!

For beverage pairings, I enjoy a glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese with this dish because their acidity cuts through the richness nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or a lightly brewed iced tea pairs perfectly. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or a festive meal, this casserole feels special yet effortless to serve.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Meatball Casserole Recipe to adapt it to different tastes and dietary needs. For example, swapping traditional beef meatballs for turkey or chicken meatballs lightens it up while keeping the protein satisfying. You can also try vegetarian meatballs or meatless crumbles to make it plant-based, paired with vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep flavors balanced.

Another fun way to mix things up is by changing the type of cheese or adding extras inside the casserole. Using provolone or fontina cheese can bring a different, more subtle meltiness, while stirring in some sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach adds vibrancy and nutrition. If you prefer a spicy twist, increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce before baking really revs up the flavor.

As for cooking methods, I’ve even made this in a slow cooker—combining everything except the cheese and topping it in the last 30 minutes to melt. It’s a fantastic hands-off option when you want to set it and forget it. No matter how you customize it, this recipe stays a comforting, flavorful favorite.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Meatball Casserole Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I like to use glass or BPA-free plastic containers to maintain freshness. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days, which makes it perfect for meal prep or quick reheats during the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. I recommend portioning it into freezer-safe containers or tightly wrap the entire dish with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, which usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Using the oven helps preserve the texture of the mozzarella topping and reheats the pasta evenly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but I suggest covering it loosely to keep moisture in and reheating in shorter bursts to avoid drying out the casserole.

FAQs

Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh homemade or store-bought meatballs work just as well. Just be sure they are cooked through before adding them to the casserole, as this recipe mainly bakes to cook the pasta and meld flavors together.

What pasta works best in this casserole?

I recommend medium-shaped pasta like ziti, penne, or rotini because their hollow shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully. Avoid very thin pastas like spaghetti, which can get mushy during the baking process.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well, such as those made from cashews or coconut. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor will vary slightly but should still be delicious.

Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?

Definitely! You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the sauce mixture before baking. Adding sliced jalapeños or crushed chili peppers also adds a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge to ensure even cooking.

Conclusion

I truly hope you give this Meatball Casserole Recipe a try soon because it has become one of my absolute favorites for bringing warmth and comfort to any table. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and always hits the spot whether for a simple family dinner or a special occasion. Once you taste that melty cheese and flavorful sauce wrapping around tender pasta and meatballs, you’ll understand why this dish holds a special place in my kitchen—and I’m sure it’ll in yours, too.