Meatball Pasta Casserole Recipe

When you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and easy to prepare, this Meatball Pasta Casserole is the perfect dish. Packed with juicy meatballs, pasta, and a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, this casserole combines all the best elements of a delicious Italian dinner into one easy-to-make dish. It’s the ideal choice for a family meal or a cozy dinner when you want something satisfying and filling.

This recipe starts with golden-brown meatballs simmered in a savory sauce made with onions, garlic, mushrooms, and a burst of smokey paprika and chili flakes. The pasta soaks up all the delicious flavors of the sauce, while the melted mozzarella on top adds a gooey, cheesy finish that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for your family, this casserole will quickly become a favorite go-to meal.

It’s easy to see why this Meatball Pasta Casserole is so popular: It’s a complete meal in one dish, packed with protein, vegetables, and carbs, and loaded with bold flavors. Plus, it’s perfect for leftovers or meal prepping. Let’s dive into the recipe so you can get started making this hearty, comforting casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. A Complete Meal in One

This casserole combines all the key elements of a satisfying meal—protein-packed meatballs, hearty pasta, and a flavorful tomato sauce. It’s an all-in-one dish that requires minimal effort, yet delivers big on taste.

2. Packed with Flavor

The combination of chili flakes, smoked paprika, garlic, and onions creates a rich, savory sauce that complements the tender meatballs. The mozzarella on top adds a creamy, melty finish that makes each bite irresistible.

3. Easy to Make

You’ll love how simple this recipe is to prepare! With basic ingredients and just a few steps, you can have a delicious and filling dinner ready in no time. It’s a great option for busy weeknights.

4. Great for Leftovers

This Meatball Pasta Casserole stores well and is perfect for leftovers. Simply store in the fridge and reheat for an easy meal the next day. It also freezes well for those days when you need a quick dinner.

5. Customizable

You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences. Add in extra veggies like bell peppers or spinach, swap out the mozzarella for a different cheese, or use gluten-free pasta for a variation that suits your dietary needs.

Ingredients

• Sunflower oil
• Meatballs
• Onion (peeled and chopped)
• Garlic (peeled and chopped)
• Mushrooms (sliced)
• Tinned chopped tomatoes
• Chilli flakes
• Sweet smoked paprika
• Vegetable stock
• Tomato puree
• Pasta
• Mozzarella
• Sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Variations

• Vegetarian Meatballs: If you prefer a vegetarian option, swap the meatballs for plant-based meatballs or use a lentil or chickpea mixture.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap the mozzarella for other cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add more chili flakes or some cayenne pepper if you like your casserole with a bit more heat.
• Extra Veggies: Stir in extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition and color.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Heat sunflower oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5-7 minutes. Remove the meatballs and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add the chopped onion, garlic, and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until the onion softens and the mushrooms release their moisture, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Add the tinned chopped tomatoes, chilli flakes, smoked paprika, and vegetable stock to the pan. Stir in the tomato puree and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Add the Meatballs and Pasta

Return the meatballs to the pan and stir to coat them in the sauce. Add the uncooked pasta and mix everything together. Cover the pan and simmer for another 10 minutes, allowing the pasta to cook and absorb the sauce.

Step 5: Add the Mozzarella

Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is thickened, sprinkle the mozzarella over the top of the casserole. Cover the pan and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra herbs or grated cheese if desired, and enjoy your hearty meal!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the Meatballs

Browning the meatballs first gives them a delicious crust and helps lock in flavor before adding them to the sauce.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Since the pasta will continue cooking in the sauce, be sure to cook it just under al dente before adding it to the casserole. This ensures it won’t become mushy during the final cooking step.

Customize the Seasoning

Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste—more chili flakes for heat, or a touch of honey for sweetness, depending on your preference.

Let It Rest

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully set. This also helps the cheese firm up slightly for easier serving.

How to Serve

Serve this hearty Meatball Pasta Casserole with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle extra parmesan cheese or fresh basil over the top for added flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven. You may need to add a little extra vegetable stock or water to ensure the sauce doesn’t dry out during reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought meatballs work perfectly for this casserole. Just be sure to brown them before adding them to the sauce.

2. Can I make this casserole without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the mozzarella if you’re looking for a dairy-free version. You could substitute with a dairy-free cheese if desired.

3. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

4. What kind of pasta should I use?

Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni works well in this casserole. Choose your favorite pasta shape!

5. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tinned chopped tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them down for a longer time to achieve the same consistency as tinned chopped tomatoes.

6. How can I make the casserole spicier?

To make the casserole spicier, add more chili flakes, or try incorporating hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the sauce.

7. Can I cook the pasta separately before adding it to the casserole?

While it’s best to cook the pasta in the sauce, you can cook it separately if needed. Just be sure to mix the cooked pasta with the sauce before baking.

8. Can I use ground meat instead of meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute the meatballs with crumbled ground meat. Brown the meat first and then follow the recipe as directed.

9. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

10. Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish to accommodate the extra servings.

Conclusion

This Meatball Pasta Casserole is the perfect meal for any occasion. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a weekend family gathering, or a meal prep option, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting combination of meatballs, pasta, and melted mozzarella, and savor every bite!

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