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Cheesy Meatball Casserole

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This Cheesy Meatball Casserole is a hearty baked pasta dish loaded with juicy homemade meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and provolone cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep, this comforting meatball pasta bake delivers classic Italian-inspired flavors in every cheesy, bubbly bite.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef

  • 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 egg

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 3 cups marinara sauce

  • 12 ounces cooked pasta (penne or ziti)

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded provolone or additional mozzarella

  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

  3. Form mixture into meatballs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.

  4. Place meatballs on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).

  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta with marinara sauce. Gently fold in baked meatballs.

  6. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with mozzarella and provolone cheese.

  7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

  8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

Use frozen pre-cooked meatballs for a quick shortcut.Swap ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra vegetables.For extra richness, stir a spoonful of ricotta into the pasta mixture.Cover loosely with foil if cheese browns too quickly.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/cheesy-meatball-casserole/