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Layered Meatball Casserole

Layered Meatball Casserole

Layered Meatball Casserole is a hearty, savory one-dish meal combining tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, creamy cheese, and layers of pasta or vegetables. Ready in under an hour, this versatile and family-friendly casserole delivers comforting Italian flavors with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 to 1.5 lbs store-bought or homemade meatballs (beef, pork, turkey, or plant-based alternative)

Sauce

  • 3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Cheese Blend

  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta or Vegetables

  • 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente (or substitute with 3 medium zucchinis sliced thinly for a low-carb option)

Seasonings and Others

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Meatballs: Cook the meatballs by baking at 400°F (205°C) for 15-20 minutes, pan-frying until browned and cooked through, or use pre-cooked ones. Ensure they are juicy and fully cooked before layering.
  2. Cook the Pasta or Vegetables: Boil penne pasta until al dente, about 9-11 minutes, then drain thoroughly. For a low-carb version, sauté thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant in olive oil until tender. Drain well to prevent soggy layers.
  3. Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish with olive oil. Start with a layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of meatballs, then pasta or vegetables, and sprinkle a generous amount of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a top layer of cheese.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled casserole for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top. Remove and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to set the layers.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Herbs: Add fresh basil or parsley before serving to brighten flavors.
  • Don’t Overcrowd: Space meatballs evenly in layers for even cooking.
  • Drain Pasta Well: Thoroughly drain pasta or veggies to prevent a soggy casserole.
  • Let it Rest: Allow casserole to cool slightly for easier slicing and better layer retention.
  • Cheese Variety: Mix mozzarella and Parmesan, or experiment with ricotta, provolone, or cheddar for different tastes and textures.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta or vegetables)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 750mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: layered meatball casserole, meatball bake, Italian casserole, quick dinner, family meal, comfort food, one dish meal, gluten-free casserole