Baked Meatball Casserole – Easy One Dish Recipe

When I think about a comfort food dinner that is both quick and filling, this easy baked meatball casserole is always at the top of my list. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen but still crave a warm, hearty meal that everyone will love.

The best part about this recipe is that it requires very little prep work. Simply layer the ingredients in a casserole dish, cover with foil, and let the oven do the work. From the gooey melted cheese on top to the saucy pasta underneath, this casserole will quickly become a meal that you will want to include in your rotation.

But what I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can make it as is with just a few pantry staples, or you can customize it depending on what you already have in your refrigerator.

It’s one of those recipes that you’ll find yourself making again and again because it checks all the boxes: simple, delicious, and a family favorite.

Ingredients For Baked Meatball Casserole

For my version of this easy meatball casserole, I like to keep things straightforward. You’ll only need a short list of ingredients:

• 16 oz uncooked rotini pasta
• 3 cups water
• 24 oz pasta sauce
• 14 oz frozen precooked meatballs, thawed*
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

*If you find yourself with extra frozen meatballs, be sure to make my Italian Soup recipe. It’s another family favorite!

With these basic items, you can create a dish that serves the family without taking up much of your time. I love using rotini pasta because its spiral shape holds onto the sauce so well. But one of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up.

Ingredient Variations

If you don’t have rotini on hand, feel free to substitute with penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni. Any short pasta shape will work as long as it can absorb the liquid while baking.

Instead of using frozen meatballs, you can make your own homemade meatballs for a more personal touch. Sometimes I like to prepare a batch of Italian-style meatballs ahead of time and freeze them, so they’re ready to go when I want to make this casserole.

The sauce is another place where you can get creative. A traditional marinara works perfectly, but you can also use a spicy arrabbiata sauce for a little kick, or a creamy tomato basil sauce for a richer flavor.

If you’re a fan of extra veggies, try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini directly into the casserole. They’ll bake alongside the pasta and meatballs, adding both color and nutrition.

Cheese lovers can go beyond mozzarella. Try a mix of mozzarella and provolone for extra stretch, or sprinkle in a little Parmesan or Asiago on top before baking or serving.

Even a layer of ricotta cheese spread over the pasta before adding the mozzarella can turn this easy meatball casserole into something that resembles a lasagna-style bake.

Instructions On How To Make Baked Meatball Casserole

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the baking dish. Add the water, pasta sauce, thawed meatballs, and kosher salt. Stir everything gently so the pasta is coated evenly. Be sure to push the pasta into the liquid as much as you can.
3. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 35 minutes, making sure to stir halfway through so the pasta cooks evenly.
4. After 35 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Give everything another stir, then sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
5. Place the dish back into the oven, uncovered, for 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese has melted and turned golden in spots. *You can even throw it under the broiler for a few minutes to get the cheese to brown even more.
6. Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. If you like, top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or chopped parsley.

The result is a bubbling, cheesy pasta casserole that’s both delicious and easy to make.

Serving Suggestions

This baked meatball casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but I like to round it out with a few simple sides. A fresh green salad with Italian dressing is always a good choice, especially if you want something light to balance out the richness of the casserole.

But let’s be honest. Garlic bread or breadsticks are also a must in my house because they’re perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

For larger gatherings, this casserole pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans. It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks, family get-togethers, or even holiday dinners since it feeds a crowd and reheats well.

Variations of Baked Meatball Casserole for Different Diets

One of the reasons I love this recipe is that it can easily be adjusted for different dietary needs. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Many brands make excellent versions of rotini or penne that bake beautifully in casseroles.

For a lower-carb alternative, you could swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash strands. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly with these substitutions.

Vegetarians can also enjoy this dish by using plant-based meatballs instead of traditional ones. With so many options available in grocery stores now, it’s easy to find a substitute that fits your preference. Vegan mozzarella shreds can also replace the cheese to make the entire dish dairy-free.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

This baked meatball casserole is also a wonderful make-ahead meal. You can assemble everything in the casserole dish up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add an extra 10 minutes to the cook time since it will be starting cold.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to three days. I like to reheat individual portions in the microwave, but you can also cover the entire dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

This casserole even freezes nicely. Just prepare and bake as directed, let it cool, then cover tightly and freeze for up to two months. When you want to serve it, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Why You’ll Love Making This Dish As Much As Me

The beauty of this baked meatball casserole is that it fits into so many different situations. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting dish for a cold evening, or a reliable recipe for entertaining guests, this casserole delivers every time. It’s easy, affordable, and best of all, incredibly delicious.

Enjoy! Mary

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