Print

Layered Meatball Casserole

Layered Meatball Casserole
Print Recipe

Layered Meatball Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring tender meatballs, savory marinara sauce, creamy cheese layers, and pasta or rustic bread. Perfect for family dinners and busy weeknights, this casserole combines familiar flavors with ease and flexibility, making it a cozy, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 to 2 pounds of store-bought or homemade meatballs, seasoned with herbs

Marinara Sauce

  • 3 to 4 cups marinara sauce (tomato-based, tangy and slightly sweet)

Cheese Blend

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 to 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta or Bread

  • 12 ounces cooked rigatoni pasta (al dente) or 1 loaf rustic bread sliced evenly

Fresh Herbs

  • Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for garnish

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for crisping and flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: If using homemade meatballs, mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, and seasoning. Brown them in a skillet or bake until fully cooked through.
  2. Cook the Pasta or Prep the Bread: Boil the pasta until al dente and drain, or slice rustic bread evenly to create hearty layers that absorb sauce and cheese beautifully.
  3. Assemble the Layers: In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce first. Add a layer of pasta or bread, then spread ricotta or a cheese mixture over it. Arrange the meatballs on top, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and repeat these layers until the dish is filled.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to bubble and brown nicely.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Let the casserole rest briefly after baking. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use quality, well-seasoned meatballs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Undercook pasta slightly so it retains firmness after baking.
  • Layer ingredients evenly to ensure balanced flavor in every bite.
  • Allow the casserole to rest after baking to meld flavors and make slicing easier.
  • For convenience, assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate to bake the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, layered casserole, comfort food, family dinner, easy baked meal, make-ahead casserole, Italian-American dinner

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/layered-meatball-casserole/