Description
This Meatball Pasta Casserole is a comforting and easy dinner, with tender pasta, hearty meatballs, and a flavorful tomato sauce, all baked with melted mozzarella cheese on top. It’s a family favorite that combines all the best elements of a pasta bake in one delicious dish!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
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16 ounces ziti or penne pasta
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24 ounces spaghetti sauce
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1 cup milk
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2 cups water
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14 ounces frozen meatballs
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon salt
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional Garnish:
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Parmesan cheese
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Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
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Cook the pasta: Cook the ziti or penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the spaghetti sauce, milk, water, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
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Assemble the casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and sauce mixture. Stir gently to combine.
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Top with cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are heated through.
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Garnish and serve: If desired, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped herbs before serving.
- Serve: Slice and serve hot.
Notes
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You can use fresh meatballs if preferred, but frozen meatballs are an easy and quick option.
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Feel free to customize the sauce with additional herbs or spices for extra flavor.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the whole milk with a lower-fat option or use a vegetable-based pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American