Baked Meatball Casserole

Baked Meatball Casserole

Introduction
Few dishes can rival the comfort and satisfaction of a hot, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven. Baked Meatball Casserole is one of those timeless family favorites that combines tender, juicy meatballs with rich marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s hearty, flavorful, and guaranteed to warm hearts around the dinner table. This recipe takes the classic appeal of spaghetti and meatballs and transforms it into a baked dish that’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and makes for fantastic leftovers. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinners, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

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• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

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• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti, cooked al dente)

• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)

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• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil, chopped)

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs
   In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Form the mixture into medium-sized meatballs and set aside.

2. Cook the Meatballs
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in a skillet for added flavor.

3. Cook the Pasta
   While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain well and toss lightly with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

4. Assemble the Casserole
   Lightly grease a large baking dish. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the pasta, followed by half of the meatballs, half of the remaining marinara sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with the rest of the pasta, meatballs, sauce, and mozzarella. Finally, top with Parmesan cheese and dried basil.

5. Bake the Casserole
   Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.

6. Serve and Garnish
   Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.

Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a fresh Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead dish—you can assemble it the night before, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve. Leftovers reheat wonderfully, making it a great option for meal prep.

Conclusion
Baked Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending savory meatballs, rich sauce, and melted cheese into one irresistible dish. It’s simple to prepare yet impressive enough for family gatherings or casual dinner parties. With its layers of flavor and satisfying heartiness, this casserole is destined to become a regular favorite on your dinner menu. Each bite delivers the cozy warmth of a classic Italian-inspired meal baked to perfection.