If you’ve ever dreamed of a comforting, hearty meal that brings together everything you love about Italian flavors in one dish, you’re in for a treat with this Cheesy Meatball Casserole with Spaghetti Recipe. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned meatballs nestled in rich marinara sauce, bubbling with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, all served over a bed of tender spaghetti. This dish captures the essence of home-cooked goodness with a cheesy, saucy twist that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make, turning an everyday dinner into a celebration of flavor and warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is the first step to creating an unforgettable Cheesy Meatball Casserole with Spaghetti Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, adding depth, texture, or that irresistible cheesy finish that brings everything together.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein star that forms tender, juicy meatballs bursting with flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the binder to keep those meatballs intact and moist.
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs: Adds the perfect texture to the meatballs, helping them stay soft yet firm.
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions: Infuses subtle sweetness and aromatics throughout the meat mixture.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Classic herbs that elevate the flavor profile with notes of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Packs a gentle punch of garlicky goodness without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and depth.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances every ingredient’s flavor, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce: Your sauce base that ties the dish together with tangy, herbaceous tomato richness.
- 8 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey, creamy pockets atop the casserole.
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish complementing the mozzarella perfectly.
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti: The comforting foundation that soaks up all those amazing sauce and cheese flavors.
How to Make Cheesy Meatball Casserole with Spaghetti Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F to get everything ready for perfectly baked meatballs. Having the oven at the right temperature ensures the meat cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.
Step 2: Create the Meatball Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, dried minced onions, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, making sure the seasonings are spread evenly. This mixture is the heart of your casserole and sets the stage for bold, comforting flavor.
Step 3: Form and Arrange the Meatballs
Shape the mixture into 3-inch meatballs—big enough to feel indulgent but small enough to cook through perfectly. Place them evenly spaced in a 9×13-inch baking pan; this will give them room to bake perfectly without steaming.
Step 4: Bake the Meatballs
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake the meatballs for 20 minutes. This first bake seals in the juices and crisps up their edges just right, forming that irresistible crust.
Step 5: Add Marinara Sauce
Remove the pan and pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs, stirring gently to mix everything well. The sauce will keep the meat moist and infuse every bite with a bright, herby tomato flavor that feels like a hug in every forkful.
Step 6: Bake at a Lower Temperature
Lower the oven temperature to 300°F, then return the pan for another 20 minutes. This slower bake lets the meatballs soak up the marinara sauce and ensures they’re tender all the way through without drying out.
Step 7: Add the Cheeses and Finish Baking
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese generously around and on top of the meatballs, then scatter the Parmesan cheese over everything. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheeses melt into bubbly, golden perfection that pulls at every bite.
Step 8: Serve Over Spaghetti
Transfer your steaming hot meatballs and luscious sauce right over a bed of cooked spaghetti. If you like, garnish with freshly minced parsley for a pop of color and freshness that brightens the whole dish.
How to Serve Cheesy Meatball Casserole with Spaghetti Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil just before serving really lifts the dish, making it feel vibrant and inviting. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also add a nice finishing touch depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple to let the casserole shine. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness, or try garlic bread for dipping into that irresistible marinara sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also complement the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family dinner, serve the casserole straight from the oven in the baking pan so everyone can help themselves. For a date night, plate individual servings with a neat twirl of spaghetti, one or two meatballs stacked on top, and a drizzle of extra sauce, garnished elegantly with herbs and cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftovers cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to four days. The sauce and cheese meld even more with time, making the next meal incredibly flavorful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying, or microwave in shorter bursts stirring in between to keep everything warm and delicious without losing moisture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works well in this casserole—just be careful not to overcook the meatballs to keep them juicy.
Do I have to cook the spaghetti beforehand?
Yes, pre-cooked spaghetti is essential because the casserole bake isn’t long enough to cook dried pasta through in the sauce.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and refrigerate; just bake when you’re ready to serve. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs tender yet firm without compromising flavor.
What can I substitute for mozzarella and Parmesan?
Cheeses like provolone or fontina melt beautifully and can be great alternatives, but the classic combo of mozzarella and Parmesan gives the signature flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Meatball Casserole with Spaghetti Recipe is one of those recipes that makes you feel like you’ve just been hugged by your favorite home-cooked meal. It’s perfect for weeknights, gatherings, and any time you want to impress without fussing over complicated steps. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a go-to comfort food that everyone loves as much as I do!
Print
Cheesy Meatball Casserole with Spaghetti Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole features tender homemade beef meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Served over cooked spaghetti, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner that combines classic Italian flavors with easy preparation.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce and Cheese
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 8 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti (1 box)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, dried minced onions, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 3-inch diameter balls and arrange them evenly spaced in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing them to cook through and firm up.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Reduce Oven Temperature and Bake: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and return the pan to bake for another 20 minutes, to enhance flavor melding and further cook the meatballs.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella distributed around and on the meatballs, then evenly add the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the meatball casserole hot over cooked spaghetti noodles. Optionally garnish with freshly minced parsley for extra color and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for better melting.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
- Leftover casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
