If you’re looking for a warm, cheesy, and hearty casserole that’s perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this Cheesy Meatball Parmesan Casserole Bake recipe is exactly what you need. Combining juicy Italian-style meatballs with rich marinara sauce, tender pasta, and loads of melted cheese, this dish delivers irresistible flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re a busy parent, a weeknight cook, or a comfort food lover, this casserole is sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meatball Parmesan Casserole
- Super Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and mostly one-pan baking, this recipe saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
- Rich Italian Flavors: Juicy meatballs seasoned with garlic, herbs, and parmesan pair perfectly with marinara and melted mozzarella.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve this for casual weeknights, potlucks, or special family gatherings.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap pasta shapes, or spice it up with red pepper flakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 24 oz marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 12 oz cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells work great)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork the meat to keep meatballs tender.
2. Shape and Brown Meatballs
Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). They don’t need to be fully cooked yet.
3. Cook the Pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Add the cooked pasta, then top with browned meatballs. Pour remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top.
5. Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan evenly on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Meatball Casserole
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor — it melts better and tastes fresher than pre-grated.
- For extra juicy meatballs, soak breadcrumbs in a splash of milk before mixing.
- Feel free to swap marinara with your favorite tomato sauce or add a little spicy arrabbiata sauce for heat.
- Add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutritious twist.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.
Why This Recipe Works for Weeknight Dinners
This casserole is a great meal prep option because you can assemble it ahead of time and bake when ready. It’s also kid-friendly, hearty, and satisfying, making it perfect to feed picky eaters and hungry adults alike. The cheesy topping and savory meatballs ensure everyone will ask for seconds!
Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes! If you want to save time, frozen pre-cooked meatballs work great. Just add them directly to the casserole before baking.
What pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells hold the sauce well and mix easily with meatballs.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives or roasted vegetables and use vegetarian cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Meatball Parmesan Casserole Bake is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It brings the warmth of Italian home cooking right to your table without complicated steps. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Hi! I’m Isabel, your go-to writer on mvibro.com, crafting sharp responses and witty comebacks to empower your daily conversations.