Print

Layered Meatball Casserole

Layered Meatball Casserole
Print Recipe

Layered Meatball Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines savory meatballs, tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This quick and easy casserole layers flavorful ingredients to create a warm, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or turkey (lean)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (rich and well-seasoned)

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
  • Salt for pasta water

Cheese Layer

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • Handful of fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Optional & Seasoning

  • Extra olive oil for cooking
  • Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Mix well then form into evenly sized bite-sized meatballs. Bake in a preheated oven or pan-fry until browned and cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While meatballs cook, boil pasta in salted water until just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain thoroughly to prevent sogginess in the casserole.
  3. Mix the Cheese Layer: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh herbs (basil or parsley). Stir well to create a creamy herbaceous cheese mixture.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a casserole dish. Add half the cooked pasta, then evenly distribute the meatballs. Spoon dollops of the ricotta mixture over the meatballs, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers with remaining pasta, meatballs, ricotta cheese mixture, marinara sauce, and finish with a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden with slightly caramelized edges. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the layers to set.

Notes

  • Make meatballs uniform in size for even cooking.
  • Do not overcook pasta; it should be slightly underdone to finish baking in the casserole without becoming mushy.
  • Distribute all layers evenly for the best texture.
  • Allow casserole to rest after baking to hold layers firmly.
  • Use fresh herbs to enhance flavor and freshness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This casserole can be frozen before baking for up to 3 months; thaw overnight before baking.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, layered casserole, Italian casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked pasta, family meal

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/layered-meatball-casserole/