Description
This meatball casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It combines tender, flavorful meatballs, pasta, marinara sauce, and a generous layer of melted cheese baked to golden perfection. The casserole’s versatility makes it easily customizable, from healthy low-carb options to vegetarian versions. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this dish can be made ahead of time or frozen for meal prep, offering convenience without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a large crowd or just preparing an easy dinner, this casserole is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 16-ounce package uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 25-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- 1 14-ounce package fully-cooked miniature meatballs (thawed if frozen)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend
- Parmesan cheese for extra flavor (optional)
- Fresh chopped herbs basil, oregano, parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Baking Dish: In a large baking dish, mix uncooked rotini pasta, marinara sauce, water, and fully-cooked meatballs; ensure pasta is covered by sauce and meatballs are evenly distributed.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove Foil: Remove the foil, stir the casserole, and check if the pasta is tender.
- Add the Cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, then bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes, then garnish with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Customization Options:
- Protein Choices: Use ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken for the meatballs. If you’re vegetarian, plant-based meatballs made from lentils, tofu, or chickpeas are excellent alternatives.
- Cheese Varieties: Mozzarella is classic for its gooey texture, but you can mix it with ricotta or Parmesan for added creaminess and flavor. Dairy-free cheese can be used for vegan versions.
- Low-Carb Variations: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash to keep the dish low-carb and keto-friendly.
- Gluten-Free Adaptations: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make the casserole gluten-free without altering the overall taste.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.
- For longer storage, freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake.
- Cooking Tips:
- Meatball Texture: Use a mix of breadcrumbs and eggs in the meatball mixture to maintain tenderness. Avoid over-packing the meatballs to keep them light.
- Perfect Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven while absorbing the sauce.
- Golden Cheese Topping: For a crispy cheese layer, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Freezing and Reheating:
- For meal prep, portion the casserole into individual servings before freezing. Reheat the portions in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for several weeks.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Pair the casserole with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For wine lovers, this dish pairs well with bold red wines like Chianti or Zinfandel.