Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole combines tender pasta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce baked together and topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a comforting, family-friendly meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried pasta (such as ziti, rotini, or penne)
- 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
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In the baking dish, add the dried pasta, thawed meatballs, marinara sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and press the pasta down so it is mostly covered by the sauce and broth.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. After this time, check if the pasta is cooked to al dente; if not, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Once the pasta is al dente, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let sit briefly. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired, alongside crusty bread for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen meatballs with homemade or store-bought pre-cooked meatballs.
- Low sodium beef broth helps control the saltiness; adjust seasoning as needed.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella for a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Casserole is best served fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
