Craving a creamy, cheesy, and tomatoey Italian dish that’s easy to prepare? This Layered Meatball Casserole is the perfect one-pot meal that combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in one delicious bake.
Whether you use store-bought or homemade meatballs, this recipe is a breeze to put together and will quickly become a family favorite. Perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen!
Layered Meatball Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
This casserole is loaded with layers of tender meatballs, fresh basil, creamy ricotta, and tangy spaghetti sauce, all topped with gooey melted cheese. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes to 1 hour
Serving: 4-6 servings
Equipment: 2 1/2 quart baking dish, medium mixing bowl
Recipe Title: Easy Layered Meatball Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups prepared spaghetti sauce, divided
- 1 (16 ounces) package frozen meatballs, bite-size and thawed (or homemade meatballs)
- 1 (3/4 ounce) package fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 (7 ounces) can sliced mushrooms, drained
- 2 tomatoes, sliced 1/4-inch thick
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 3 teaspoons roasted garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 of a 12-ounce package of egg noodles, cooked
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2 1/2 quart baking dish with cooking spray.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread 1 cup of the spaghetti sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Arrange the thawed meatballs on top of the sauce. Layer the chopped basil, drained mushrooms, and sliced tomatoes over the meatballs.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, sour cream, eggs, and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of spaghetti sauce. Stir in the minced roasted garlic, salt, oregano, and the cooked egg noodles until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the sauce mixture over the layered ingredients in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
This Layered Meatball Casserole is the ultimate weeknight meal, delivering all the comfort and flavor of a classic Italian pasta bake with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds! Enjoy!
