Description
This One Pan Meatball Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make baked pasta dish featuring tender ziti cooked in a flavorful marinara sauce with fully cooked meatballs, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines convenience with delicious Italian-inspired flavors all prepared in a single baking dish.
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce
- 16 oz. package uncooked ziti pasta
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
Protein and Cheese
- 24 oz meatballs (fully cooked, thawed)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella (or Italian blend cheese)
Optional Garnish
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped herbs (basil, oregano, and parsley)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, stir together the uncooked ziti pasta, marinara sauce, water, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and fully cooked thawed meatballs until well combined.
- Cover and Bake: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes to cook the pasta and heat the meatballs through.
- Check Pasta Doneness: Remove the foil and stir the casserole thoroughly. Check the pasta for doneness aiming for al dente texture. If the pasta is still too firm, re-cover and return to the oven for a few more minutes until nearly perfectly cooked.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the cheese has melted and is bubbling.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the casserole to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the sauce thicken and set for easier serving. Garnish with optional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Ensure meatballs are fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
- Substitute ziti with other similar pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni if preferred.
- For a richer flavor, use whole milk or add a splash of cream.
- Use foil tightly to prevent moisture loss during baking.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking allows the sauce to thicken for better texture.
- Optional garnishes add fresh flavor and visual appeal.
