Meatball Casserole
Experience a hearty twist on classic Italian flavors with our Meatball Casserole, featuring juicy meatballs, al dente pasta, melted cheese, rich sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Serve it with Texas toast and a simple salad for a complete meal the entire family will love.

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
When I’m in need of a cozy meal, nothing beats my Meatball Casserole recipe. Trust me, it’s a game-changer in your comfort food arsenal.
This recipe combines the rich flavors of juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese, all baked together to perfection. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo, it’s a meal that always hits the spot.
If you are looking for more comfort food, be sure to try our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole and French Onion Beef Casserole.
Why I love this recipe
- It’s quick to prepare, giving me more time to relax.
- I can easily tweak the simple ingredients based on what I have in the pantry.
- It is kid-friendly. Even the picky eaters in my house love it.
- It’s great for making ahead and reheating later.
Ingredients
- penne pasta
- frozen meatballs (can substitute cooked homemade meatballs)
- marinara sauce
- beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- garlic
- salt and pepper
- shredded mozzarella cheese
- parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step by step
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Add the meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, beef broth, and seasonings to the baking dish and stir to combine. Cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, and take off the foil. Stir, then top with cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Chop the parsley, and sprinkle over the casserole. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for best results
- Use high-quality spaghetti sauce for the best flavor. Make sure the pasta is fully covered by liquid before baking.
- Don’t skip the foil; it helps the pasta cook evenly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to set.
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Try with different noodles such as rigatoni or rotini. You can try it with different types of meatballs as well, its a great recipe for using leftover cheese-stuffed meatballs or turkey meatballs leftover from our turkey Swedish meatball recipe.
No meatballs on hand? Substitute the meatballs with ground sausage or turkey. To add a creamy touch, layer some ricotta cheese before baking.
You can also play with the taste of the casserole depending on the sauce you use. If your sauce is a little bland try zesting it up with some garlic powder, onion powder, or even red pepper flakes for some spice.
Serving suggestions
- top with grated or shredded parmesan cheese or pecorino romano cheese
- indulge in some warm garlic bread, perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce
- pair your meal with a fresh, crisp green salad to complement the hearty casserole
- brighten your plate with nutritious and colorful steamed vegetables
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When reheating, warm a portion in the microwave until thoroughly heated or use the oven at a low temperature. If the dish appears dry, revive it with a splash of marinara sauce or beef broth before reheating.
Have leftover frozen meatballs? Check out our slow cooker ravioli and meatballs recipe to use them up!
If you try this recipe please comment and rate it below, I love hearing from you!
PrintMeatball Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Experience a hearty twist on classic Italian flavors with our Meatball Casserole, featuring juicy meatballs, al dente pasta, melted cheese, tangy sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 pound meatballs
- 24 ounce jar marinara sauce
- 14.5 ounce can beef broth
- 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- salt and pepper
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Add the meatballs, uncooked pasta, marinara sauce, beef broth, and seasonings to the dish and stir to combine. Cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, and take off the foil. Stir, then top with cheese, and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
- Chop the parsley, and sprinkle over the casserole. Serve and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 568
- Sugar: 6.4 g
- Sodium: 1232.2 mg
- Fat: 18.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 66.3 g
- Fiber: 5.5 g
- Protein: 33.9 g
- Cholesterol: 57.1 mg