Whisk together this easy meatball casserole for a simple weeknight dinner that fills the table with warmth. Juicy meatballs and melty mozzarella bake together with marinara and tender pasta in just one pan—no boiling or pre-cooking required. Ready in under an hour, this comforting dish is perfect for family dinners when you want something satisfying without the fuss.
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Ingredients for Meatball Casserole
For the meatballs
- Ground Beef – An 80/20 blend is ideal for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Egg – Lightly beaten to bind everything together.
- Breadcrumbs – Dry breadcrumbs work best to keep the meatballs tender.
- Whole Milk – Adds moisture and helps the meatballs stay soft.
- Parmesan Cheese – Finely grated for a rich, savory kick.
- Dried Oregano – A must for that classic Italian flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Stick with powder for even distribution throughout the meatballs.
- Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper – Adds a subtle warmth and depth.
- Olive Oil – For browning the meatballs to perfection.
For the casserole
- Marinara Sauce – A jar of your favorite marinara makes this dish so easy and delicious.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Low-moisture and shredded for that perfect melty top layer.
For garnish
- Fresh Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Cook Time for Meatball Casserole
I love how this meatball casserole recipe comes together so quickly, especially on those nights when the family is hungry and I need a solution fast. Here’s the breakdown for this savory baked meatball and mozzarella bake:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
From mixing the meat to that glorious bubbly cheese topping, you’ll have a hot and comforting family dinner casserole on the table in well under an hour. If you’re looking for another easy, crowd-pleasing option, you might enjoy my chicken pasta bake for a different twist on a one-pan wonder.
How to Make Easy Meatball Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or a thin layer of olive oil to create the perfect foundation for your oven-baked meatball pasta casserole.
Step 2: Make the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I always use my hands to gently mix everything until it’s just combined—this keeps the meatballs tender and avoids overworking them.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, placing them on a clean plate. You should get about 20-24 little flavor bombs ready for browning.
Step 4: Brown to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the meatballs on all sides for 5-7 minutes total. You’re just building a beautiful golden crust here; they don’t need to be cooked through yet. Transfer them to your prepared baking dish.
Step 5: Assemble the Bake
Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs. Give the dish a gentle shake to let the sauce sneak into all the nooks and crannies. This creates that classic herbed meatball and marinara bake we all love.
Step 6: Top with Cheese
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top, creating a blanket of cheesy goodness that will turn golden and bubbly in the oven.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Bake your cheesy ground beef pasta bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and spotty brown and the meatballs are cooked through. Let it rest for 5 minutes—this is crucial for the juices to settle! Garnish with fresh parsley right before serving.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made this meatball casserole more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better. Here are my favorites for you to try.
- Flavor Swap: For a deeper flavor, try using half ground beef and half Italian sausage. It reminds me of the meat in my baked manicotti and adds a wonderful herbaceous kick.
- Diet Tweak: To lighten it up, swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey and use part-skim mozzarella. It still makes for a delicious and satisfying baked pasta dish with beef and cheese flavors.
- Texture Fix: If you prefer a saucier casserole, stir an extra 1/2 cup of marinara into the bottom of the dish before adding the meatballs. Nobody likes a dry casserole!
- Storage Tip: Leftovers keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to keep the cheese from getting rubbery, just like you would with a shepherd’s pie.
Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend recommended
- 1 large egg lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded (about 2 cups)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish
- skillet
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix gently until all ingredients are just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
- Shape the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs, placing them on a clean plate or baking sheet. You should have approximately 20-24 meatballs.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid crowding, brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5-7 minutes total; they do not need to be cooked through at this stage. Transfer the browned meatballs to the prepared baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish, gently shaking the dish to distribute the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauce and meatballs.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned in spots, and the meatballs are cooked through. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Nutrition
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This meatball casserole isn’t just comforting—it’s also packed with nourishing ingredients that come together to create a balanced meal. I always feel good serving this to my family because it provides protein, essential vitamins, and that cozy satisfaction that only homemade food can deliver.
Ground beef offers a solid protein foundation, which helps keep everyone full and energized long after dinner. According to the NIH Protein Nutrition Research, protein-rich meals support muscle health and sustained energy levels. The cheese adds calcium for strong bones, while the herbs and tomatoes bring antioxidants to the table.
If you’re looking for other nutrient-packed ideas, my chicken casserole is another family favorite that balances flavor and nutrition beautifully. For a veggie-forward option, this squash casserole brings color and vitamins to any plate.
A Lighter Version of Meatball Casserole
Sometimes I crave the comfort of this meatball casserole but want to keep things a bit lighter—maybe after the holidays or when I’m feeding friends who are watching their calories. The good news is that this recipe adapts beautifully to a healthier approach without losing an ounce of flavor.
Try using lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. I often make this swap, and honestly, with all the herbs and cheese, nobody even notices the difference. You can also use part-skim mozzarella and reduce the amount of cheese by just a quarter cup—it still gets wonderfully bubbly and golden.
For more lightened-up comfort food ideas, my baked chicken and broccoli alfredo is a creamy favorite that doesn’t weigh you down. And if you love casseroles but want to keep them lean, this angel beef casserole is another great option to try.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I’ve shared this meatball casserole with so many friends over the years, and I love how adaptable it is for different dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for someone who’s sugar conscious, managing their glycemic intake, or just trying to eat a little cleaner, a few simple tweaks can make this dish work for almost everyone.
For a diabetic-friendly version, consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs or even almond flour in place of traditional breadcrumbs to help maintain steadier blood sugar levels. You can also opt for a marinara sauce with no added sugar—many brands offer this now, or you can easily make your own with fresh tomatoes and herbs.
If you’re looking for natural sweetener alternatives in other dishes, stevia or xylitol can be great options in desserts or sauces. And remember, portion control is your friend—serving this casserole with a big green salad helps balance the meal beautifully.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole
I’ll never forget the first time I made this meatball casserole for a Sunday supper with my extended family. The table was loud, the kids were hungry, and that moment when I pulled the bubbling dish from the oven—cheese golden and sauce simmering—brought everyone to a happy silence. It’s become our go-to celebration meal for birthdays, graduations, and even just because-it’s-Tuesday nights.
This savory baked meatball and mozzarella bake stands beautifully on its own, but I love serving it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. The freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. Garlic bread is another natural pairing—my family would riot if I didn’t include it!
For a complete comfort food spread, try pairing it with my potato squash casserole for extra veggie goodness. And if you’re serving a crowd, this sweet potato casserole makes a wonderful sweet contrast to the savory main.
Don’t forget to let it rest for those five minutes after baking—it makes all the difference in keeping those meatballs juicy and helping the flavors settle into every bite of this cheesy ground beef pasta bake.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve made—and seen—plenty of mistakes with this meatball casserole. Honestly, I’ve learned the most from my own kitchen blunders, like the time I used overly wet breadcrumbs and ended up with a soggy bake. Thankfully, these common errors are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.
First, don’t skip draining the meatballs if you brown them first. That extra grease can make your easy meatball casserole overly greasy. Also, overmixing the meatball mixture can lead to tough, dense meatballs—gentle hands make them tender.
Another mistake? Using cold sauce straight from the jar. Let it come to room temperature so it heats evenly. For more tips on handling meat, check out the USDA Food Safety Guidelines. And if you love casseroles but want to avoid common pitfalls, my shepherd’s pie guide has plenty of practical advice too.
Remember, this family dinner casserole is forgiving—even my mistakes turned out edible! So don’t stress, just enjoy the process.
How to Store Meatball Casserole
I’ll never forget the blizzard of ’99 when this meatball casserole got us through three days without power—thanks to the frozen batch I’d tucked away. It’s become my go-to freezer meal ever since, perfect for busy weeks or surprise guests.
Let your baked meatball casserole cool completely before storing. I divide it into portions using airtight containers—glass works best to avoid any tomato sauce stains. It keeps well in the fridge for up to four days.
For freezing, wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then place them in freezer bags. They’ll stay good for three months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 350°F until bubbly. For another great make-ahead idea, try my slow cooker ravioli lasagna—it’s just as convenient. And if you’re looking for more freezer-friendly meals, this cheeseburger pasta is a family favorite.
Try This Meatball Casserole Yourself
I still remember the first time my daughter asked for this meatball casserole on her birthday instead of cake—it’s that kind of dish. It brings people together, fills the kitchen with the most incredible aroma, and just tastes like home.
I hope you give this cheesy meatball casserole a try soon. It’s one of those recipes that feels special but comes together without any fuss. Perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a hug in a baking dish.
If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy my cowboy casserole for another hearty family meal. For something equally comforting, try this chicken pasta bake or my baked manicotti. And don’t forget to check out my spinach ricotta manicotti for a veggie-packed twist.
Whatever you make, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is John Wayne’s casserole?
John Wayne casserole is a hearty Southwestern-inspired dish with ground beef, onions, peppers, and biscuit crust. While it shares some comfort food vibes with this meatball casserole, it’s a distinct recipe with its own flavor profile and preparation style.
Can you casserole meatballs?
Absolutely! This meatball casserole recipe proves how well meatballs work baked right into a casserole. They stay juicy and absorb all the wonderful flavors from the sauce and cheese, making them perfect for a baked pasta dish with beef and cheese.
What is the most Googled casserole recipe?
Green bean casserole often tops search lists, especially around holidays. But comforting, easy recipes like this oven-baked meatball pasta casserole are always popular for family dinners any time of year.
Can you make a stew with meatballs?
Yes, meatball stew is a cozy option. While this recipe is a baked savory baked meatball and mozzarella bake, you could adapt the meatballs into a stovetop stew with broth and vegetables for a different kind of comfort meal.
More Cozy Casseroles You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this meatball casserole, you’ll adore these other family-friendly favorites. They’re all about that perfect balance of comfort and flavor.
Cowboy Casserole – A hearty, satisfying bake packed with ground beef, beans, and corn under a golden crust.
Chicken Casserole – Creamy, tender chicken and vegetables baked until perfectly bubbly and golden.
Shepherd’s Pie – Classic comfort food with savory meat filling topped with fluffy mashed potatoes.
Sweet Potato Casserole – A slightly sweet, utterly delicious side that pairs beautifully with savory mains.
