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Homemade Cheesy Meatball Marinara Pasta Casserole recipe photo
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Cheesy Meatball Marinara Pasta Casserole

This Cheesy Meatball Marinara Pasta Casserole is the ultimate comfort food with tender meatballs, rich sauce, and gooey mozzarella in one easy dish!
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

For the Casserole

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

Prepare the Meatball Mixture

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until just combined without overworking.

Shape and Brown the Meatballs

  • Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes; they do not need to be fully cooked.

Cook the Pasta

  • While browning meatballs, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Add cooked pasta, then evenly top with browned meatballs. Pour remaining marinara sauce over everything.

Add Cheese and Bake

  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the casserole. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serve with salad or garlic bread if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Large Pot
  • 9x13 inch Baking Dish
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture.
  • Use low-moisture mozzarella cheese for best melting results.
  • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
  • Do not overcook pasta before baking to prevent mushiness.
  • Add sautéed onions or bell peppers to marinara sauce for more depth.