Description
Meatball casserole is the ultimate comfort food that effortlessly brings family and friends together. This easy-to-make dish features tender meatballs nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked pasta, enveloped in rich marinara sauce, and topped with gooey melted cheese. Ideal for busy weeknights, it combines convenience with mouthwatering flavor, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied. With versatile ingredients, you can customize this casserole to suit your taste preferences or use up what you have on hand. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers, making it a practical choice for meal prep. Serve it alongside garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that warms both the heart and the stomach.
Ingredients
- Pre-cooked frozen or homemade meatballs
- Medium-sized pasta (penne or rotini)
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
- In a bowl, mix cooked pasta with marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and half of the cheese.
- Gently fold in meatballs and pour mixture into the greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Use high-quality marinara sauce for better flavor. Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition. For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce.