Meatball Casserole is a hearty dinner and comforting dish that combines juicy meatballs with rich sauce, cheese, and other ingredients, all baked together to perfection.

Be sure to scoop down to get all the goodness in this casserole.

This dinner recipe yields 8  servings.

Have extra sauce heated on the stove for those that want to top off their serving.

A layer of cheese covers the entire dish, creating a golden, bubbling crust as it bakes, making each bite a satisfying combination of juicy meat, tangy sauce, and creamy cheese.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks!

To begin making Meatball Casserole I sprayed a 9" x 13" baking pan with cooking spray.

Below are the gluten free meatballs available in my area.

I spread the frozen meatballs out in a single layer in the baking pan.

Below is the brand of pasta that we enjoy the most in our home.

I cooked the pasta according to the package directions.

Then I drained the pasta and spread it out on top of the meatballs in the baking pan.

Next I spread some marinara sauce over top of the cooked pasta.

I sprinkled some shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the sauce.

Then I covered the casserole with tinfoil and placed it in a preheated 350F oven for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes I removed the casserole from the oven, removed the cover and sprinkled more shredded mozzarella cheese on top.

Then I returned the casserole to the 350F oven, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until the cheese was bubbling.

After 15 minutes I removed the casserole from the oven.

Then I made sure to scoop down to the bottom of the casserole as I served up this delicious dish.

Meatball Casserole can be served as a main course, offering a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post.

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PRINTABLE VERSION OF THE RECIPE CAN BE FOUND AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

Ingredients You'll Need to Make this Meatball Casserole:

• 907g gluten free frozen meatballs (1 box)
• 340g gluten free penne pasta
• 5 cups marinara sauce
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• extra sauce if desired

How to Make Meatball Casserole:

1. Preheat oven to 350F and grease a 9" x 13" baking dish.  
2. Cover the bottom of the prepared pan with the frozen meatballs.
3. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
4. Drain pasta and spread it out over top of the meatballs in the baking pan.
5. Cover the pasta with the marinara sauce.
6. Sprinkle 2 cups of the shredded mozzarella on top of the marinara sauce. 
7. Cover the casserole and place it in the oven for 45 minutes.
8. Remove from oven, uncover and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese.
9. Return to oven for 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling.
10. Remove from oven and serve.
11. Enjoy!

FAQS:

What should I serve with meatball casserole?

Meatball casserole is a hearty dish, so you can complement it with sides that balance out the richness. Here are a few ideas:

1. Gluten Free Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: A classic, these are perfect for soaking up any sauce from the casserole.
2. Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a simple vinaigrette or lemon dressing adds freshness and cuts through the richness of the casserole.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts are great options for a warm, savory side.
4. Sautéed Spinach or Kale: Lightly sautéed greens with garlic and olive oil bring a nutritious, earthy element to the meal.

What substitutions can I make in meatball casserole?

Here are some substitutions you can make in a meatball casserole, depending on your preferences or dietary restrictions:

Meatballs:

• Ground turkey or chicken instead of beef/pork for a leaner option.
• Lentils, chickpeas, or black beans as a plant-based substitute.
• Store-bought veggie meatballs if you're short on time or want a vegetarian option.

Cheese:

• Mozzarella can be replaced with cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for a different flavor.
• For a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based cheese like cashew cheese or dairy-free mozzarella.

Pasta:

• Replace with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.

Sauce:

• Instead of tomato sauce, you can try alfredo sauce, pesto, or even a butter and garlic sauce for a creamy twist.
• Use homemade marinara to control the ingredients and reduce sodium.

These ideas allow you to customize the casserole to fit different dietary needs or flavor preferences!

How do I store meatball casserole?

To store meatball casserole properly and keep it fresh, follow these steps:

1. Refrigerating (if you plan to eat within 3-4 days):

• Cool it down: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature.
• Portion it: You can either store it in one large airtight container or divide it into smaller portions for easier reheating.
• Cover it: Use airtight containers or tightly wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

2. Freezing (if storing for longer):

• Cool completely: Let the casserole cool to room temperature.
• Portion as needed: Divide it into individual servings or freeze the whole casserole, depending on your needs.
• Wrap well: Use freezer-safe containers, or wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This will help prevent freezer burn.
• Label and date: Mark the date on the container, and it can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

3. Reheating Instructions:

• From fridge: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through, or in the microwave if in smaller portions.  Have some extra spaghettie sauce on hand to top it off since the pasta will have absorbed the rest.
• From freezer: If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat as above. For reheating from frozen, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, covered with foil, until heated through.