One pan. Minimal prep. Maximum comfort food.
Why This Recipe Is a Game-Changer
Life gets busy.
You’re tired.
You need dinner on the table in 30 minutes — no complicated steps, no mess.
This casserole is your answer.
Frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta, and cheese come together in a dish that will make you think, “Why didn’t I make this sooner?”
With just a few ingredients and no pre-cooking, this is the ultimate dump-and-bake meal — savory, cheesy, hearty, and perfect for busy families or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
✅ 3 main ingredients: Frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, pasta
✅ One pan: Everything bakes together (no pre-cooking!)
✅ Kid-approved: Cheesy and comforting
✅ 30 minutes: No waiting, just pop it in the oven
✅ Freezer-friendly: Meal prep ready!
✅ High-protein: Add extra meatballs for a protein boost
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
Main Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen meatballs | 1 lb (450g) | Beef, turkey, or chicken |
| Marinara sauce | 1 can (24 oz) | Or your favorite spaghetti sauce |
| Pasta (any kind) | 2 cups (uncooked) | Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best |
| Shredded mozzarella | 2 cups | Or a mix of mozzarella and provolone |
| Parmesan (optional) | ½ cup | For extra flavor |
Optional Add-ins
| Add-in | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Italian seasoning | Adds herby depth |
| Fresh basil or parsley | Color + freshness |
| Red pepper flakes | Adds heat |
| Garlic (fresh or powder) | For an extra flavor kick |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or olive oil.
2️⃣ Layer the Ingredients
In your prepared baking dish:
- Spread the uncooked pasta evenly across the bottom of the dish.
- Add the frozen meatballs on top of the pasta.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta.
- Use a spoon to gently stir the pasta and sauce together (no need to fully mix, just ensure everything is covered).
3️⃣ Add Cheese
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- If using parmesan cheese, sprinkle it on top of the mozzarella.
Pro Tip: If you like your cheese extra bubbly and golden, add the parmesan and cheese towards the end of the bake time.
4️⃣ Bake the Casserole
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are heated through.
5️⃣ Serve
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to let everything set.
- Garnish with fresh basil, parsley, or extra parmesan.
Storage & Reheat
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fridge | 3–4 days | Store in an airtight container |
| Freezer | 2–3 months | Freeze in individual portions for easy meals |
| Reheat | 15 minutes in the oven or microwave until heated through |
Variations & Customizations
| Craving This? | Do This: |
|---|---|
| Extra cheesy | Add extra mozzarella and provolone |
| Lower carb | Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta |
| Veggie-loaded | Add sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms before baking |
| Spicy kick | Stir in red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce |
| Extra protein | Add extra meatballs or mix in cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage |
High-Protein Version
- Swap regular pasta for high-protein pasta (chickpea, lentil, or whole wheat pasta).
- Add extra meatballs or chicken breast slices for added protein (target 5–7 oz of extra protein).
Protein per serving (high-protein version): 40–45g
Calories: 400–450 per serving
Macros (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 28–30g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 5g