Description
This Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal featuring tender pasta baked with savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (like ziti, rotini, penne, etc.)
- 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)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, pour the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture gently, ensuring the pasta is mostly submerged in the sauce and broth for even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. This allows the pasta to cook and absorb the flavors while the meatballs heat through.
- Check Pasta Doneness: After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil and check if the pasta is al dente. If it needs more time, re-cover and bake for an additional 5 minutes until the pasta is tender but still firm to the bite.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is cooked, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm, paired with crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the meatballs are fully thawed before assembling the casserole.
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Use freshly shredded mozzarella for better melting and texture.
- If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
