Meatball Casserole Recipe | The Recipe Critic

This website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my disclosure policy.

With just one dish to wash and a handful of simple ingredients, you can treat your entire family to this hearty meatball casserole. It has tender meatballs nestled in a bed of rotini pasta, smothered in marinara sauce, and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Casseroles are seriously the best. They’re so easy to make but are always a satisfying meal! If you love this meatball casserole, here are a few more recipes you should try: chicken parmesan casserole, baked chicken spaghetti, and Swiss chicken bake!

Easy Meatball Casserole

Looking for the perfect dinner solution that’s not only delicious but also hassle-free? Look no further than this meatball casserole recipe! It seriously is as tasty as it is effortless. Just layer your meatballs, noodles, marinara, and a generous helping of cheese in a baking dish. Then all you have to do is let the oven work its magic!

I can’t even put into words how amazing this casserole is. It’s the perfect dinner for when you’re craving something hearty and savory with that golden, bubbly cheese on top we all love. The other great thing about this meatball casserole recipe is that you use frozen meatballs, so prep is a breeze! Trust me, your kids will be asking you to make this for dinner all. The. Time.

Don’t Worry!

This recipe is Picky Eater Approved!

Meatball Casserole Ingredients

It only takes a handful of simple ingredients to put meatball casserole together. This makes it great for feeding a crowd! See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

Rotini Pasta: A twisty pasta that’s fun to eat and captures the delicious sauce so well! Feel free to swap this out for any other type of pasta you like. Penne and rigatoni are great options.
Frozen Meatballs: Frozen meatballs make this casserole so easy to prepare!
Marinara Sauce: For some tangy, savory goodness. Make your own or use your favorite jarred kind!
Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella is super gooey and melty. The perfect topping for this casserole.
Parmesan Cheese: A dash of this cheese adds a salty, tasty kick to the dish.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs and spices that makes everything taste a little more delicious.

Cheesy Meatball Casserole Recipe

Get ready for meatball casserole to be a new favorite with your family! It’s so simple that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook Your Pasta: Cook and drain the pasta according to package instructions.
Add Sauce: Pour 1/2 cup marinara into a 13X9-inch casserole dish and then spread it evenly to coat the bottom of the dish.
Add Pasta and Cheese: Add the pasta to the casserole dish then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
Add Meatballs: Place the frozen meatballs on top of the cheese and pasta.
Top With Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Repeat: Top the sauce with the remaining mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with the dried Italian seasonings.
Bake and Enjoy: Bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly!

Make it Ahead!

Prepare the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for a convenient make-ahead dinner.

4-photo collage of frozen meatballs, cooked pasta, and cheese being added to a casserole dish.

Tips and Variations

Make this meatball casserole your own with these simple tips and tricks!

Fresh Marinara Sauce: While jarred marinara sauce is convenient, making your own from fresh tomatoes and herbs can take the flavor to a whole new level. Find my full recipe here!
Spaghetti and Meatball Casserole: Swap out the rotini for spaghetti noodles! It adds a classic twist to the dish.
Make it Low-Carb: For a keto meatball casserole, use zucchini noodles instead of rotini!
Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish your meatball casserole with fresh basil or parsley for some extra flavor and the perfect presentation!

Scooping up meatballs and cheese with a wooden spoon.

Storing Leftovers

Once it’s cooked, your meatball casserole will last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. To reheat, cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Freeze Meatball Casserole for Later

Your unbaked casserole will last for a month or two covered in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed! It’s that easy! Meatball casserole is great for meal prepping and making dinnertime a cinch.

Picking up a cheesy meatball with a fork.

Love Meatballs? Try These Other Recipes!

Pin this now to find it later

Pin It

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cook and drain the pasta according to package instructions.
Pour 1/2 cup marinara into a 13X9-inch casserole dish and spread it evenly to coat the bottom of the dish.
Add the pasta to the casserole dish then sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta.
Place the frozen meatballs on top of the cheese and pasta.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
Top the sauce with the remaining mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, then sprinkle with the dried Italian seasonings.
Bake for 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly!

Serving: 1cupCalories: 664kcalCarbohydrates: 44gProtein: 39gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1089mgPotassium: 943mgFiber: 4gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 954IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 291mgIron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.