Meatball Pasta Casserole

If you’re looking for a simple recipe for busy weeknights, you’ll love this easy Meatball Pasta Casserole recipe! It is full of simple ingredients with the simplest prep – it’s the perfect meal for your next family dinner.

And, if you are a meatball lover like me, try these Cheese Stuffed Mexican Meatballs and serve them as an entree with rice or an appetizer. We love them both ways!

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Easy recipes are my favorite to make for dinner, because I just need something that’s EASY! I’m sure you are busy, just like me, with a hungry family. That’s why this dump-and-bake meatball recipe is a tasty solution. (After all, what’s better than delicious juicy tender meatballs in a new family favorite recipe?!)

The best part? It’s ridiculously simple. Just toss a few ingredients in a pan, and boom – dinner’s basically done. And here’s a pro tip: use frozen meatballs, and don’t cook the pasta.

I don’t just make this for dinner; it’s also my party and potluck casserole. And I make these Caprese Garlic Bread to go along with it.

Not convinced you should make this casserole. Here’s why you are going to love making this recipe and why your whole family is going to LOVE eating it.

• It‘s made with basic ingredients – with common ingredients such as store-bought meatballs, pasta sauce, uncooked pasta, and cheese- so a trip to the grocery may not even be needed!
• It’s a one pot dinner– One pot means easy clean-up.
• No cooking pasta – you don’t have to cook the pasta in this dish. Just dump it uncooked into the pan.
• Delicious – your family will love the flavors of gooey cheese, tasty spaghetti sauce and tender penne pasta, and the perfect blend of seasonings.
• Perfect for busy weeknights – the prep only takes minutes.
• Great for using leftover meatballs – Meatball casserole with frozen meatballs is my favorite recipe for when I have extra meatballs in the freezer that I need to use up.

Try our other dinner recipes, such as crock pot pork chops, cast iron skillet burgers, hamburger hashbrown casserole, and this one-pan ground beef and rice skillet. All of these recipes are simple comfort food meals.

Meatball Casserole Ingredients

• Uncooked pasta – I used rotini, but you can use any variation you’d like, such as ziti or penne pasta.
• Spaghetti sauce – Ideal thickness and flavor for this baked casserole, but marinara sauce can also be used.
• Milk – You’ll need about 1 cup to make this dish creamy.
• Water – About 2 cups are used to cook the pasta.
• Meatballs – I used frozen Italian meatballs, but you can also use homemade or turkey meatballs.
• Seasoning – For flavor, you’ll need garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt.
• Shredded Cheese – Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top.
• Garnish – Optionally, you can add parmesan cheese and herbs for garnish. A sprinkle of fresh basil is a nice addition.

Equipment Needed

You are going to need a large baking dish. Just remember the pasta is going to expand once baked so use a dish that will hold everything. I use this 13 x 9 casserole dish, but any dish in this size will work.

How to Make Meatball Pasta Casserole

Step 1. Before you get started, heat the oven to 425F. Prep a baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2. In a 9 x 13 casserole dish, add the uncooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, milk, water, meatballs, and seasonings. Stir to combine. It’s just an easy dump and recipe.

Step 3. Next, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake the casserole for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and check if the pasta is done. It should be firm and cooked through. If the pasta needs more time, replace the foil and bake for several more minutes.

Step 4. Remove the foil from the casserole dish and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for about ten additional minutes until the cheese is gooey, melted, and bubbly.

Step 5. For best results, let the casserole set for about 10 minutes, then serve hot with your favorite side dish, such as our favorite wedge Caesar salad or garlic bread. Optionally, garnish with parmesan cheese and herbs.

Variations for Meatball Pasta Bake

• Try different noodles: You can use any variation of noodles you’d like in this dish.
• Use different meatballs: Try the Italian variety of meatballs, chicken meatballs, or give turkey meatballs a try.
• Add cream cheese: Adding cream cheese to a meatball casserole will make it extra creamy.
• Choose your favorite cheese: I used mozzarella for this recipe, but you can use any cheese you like. Try asiago cheese, creamy ricotta cheese, or any other family favorite.
• Add mushrooms: This could add even more delicious flavor!
• Make in the slow cooker: This meatball casserole recipe can also be made in a slow cooker. You’ll want to cook the pasta first and add some extra sauce instead of the water and milk.

Want To Store For Later, Here’s How

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Want to freeze your meatball casserole for later? Bake the casserole, let it cool, then freeze for up to three months. Defrost the casserole and bake covered at a low temperature until warm.

FAQ’S For This Meatball And Pasta Bake

There’s More To Make And Eat

First published: Aug 19, 2023, Last updated: June 29, 2024, for better readability.

Thank you for stopping by the One Hot Oven blog.  Please leave a comment to say hello or tell me what you are baking; I always love hearing from fellow bakers. Have any questions or want to chat about the recipe? Please visit my About page for information, and I’ll be happy to help!

About Jere’                             

From learning to cook on a farm in Indiana to culinary school in California, my passion for food is never-ending.  Turning on my oven to bake something for friends and family is my happy place, and I am glad to be here at One Hot Oven sharing sweet and savory family-friendly recipes for your cooking and baking inspiration.