Here’s a Meatball Pasta Casserole recipe that’s hearty, cheesy, and packed with delicious flavor—perfect for a family dinner or to serve at a gathering!
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work best)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Make the Meatballs:
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1- to 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them to ensure all sides are browned (about 6-8 minutes per batch). They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they will finish cooking in the casserole.
- Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Prepare the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Stir until the pasta is well-coated with sauce and cheese.
- Gently fold in the browned meatballs.
- Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan.
4. Bake:
- Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and slightly crispy.
5. Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips:
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
- Customizations: You can add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese variations: Try adding ricotta cheese or using provolone for a different cheesy flavor.
This Meatball Pasta Casserole is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the comforting flavors of meatballs, pasta, and melted cheese, all in one delicious baked casserole!