Description
A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender pasta, rich marinara sauce, and juicy meatballs, all topped with gooey melted cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (12 oz) box uncooked penne pasta
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3 cups water (or beef broth for more flavor)
- 1 (1 lb) bag frozen meatballs (about 24 meatballs)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Combine the uncooked penne pasta, marinara sauce, and water (or beef broth) in the baking dish. Add the frozen meatballs, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 35–40 minutes.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then return to the oven and bake uncovered for another 10–15 minutes.
- Rest for 5–10 minutes before serving, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or using different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: meatball casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, Italian recipe