Name: Meatballs Pasta Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: For the Meatballs; 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork); 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; For the Casserole; 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta; 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Description

This hearty Meatballs Pasta Casserole combines tender beef meatballs, al dente pasta, and a rich marinara sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection under a layer of gooey melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals, this comforting casserole brings classic Italian-American flavors to the table with ease and deliciousness.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Meatballs
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Casserole
12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside
In a large bowl, mix all meatball ingredients until just combined. Roll into 1-inch balls
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and brown on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove and set aside
In the baking dish, mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce and half of the mozzarella. Gently fold in the meatballs
Top with remaining cheese and sprinkle Parmesan over the top
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot

Notes

Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version
Add sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms to bulk it up
Make ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake
Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later

Nutrition

Calories: 520
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 80mg