Yield: 8 servings
Meatball Casserole
With seared meatballs, lots of gooey cheese, and perfectly cooked saucy pasta (that's never mushy), this is the best Meatball Casserole.
Ingredients
- 16 oz pasta, like ziti or penne
- 1 lb frozen cooked meatballs, thawed, I thaw them in the fridge the night before
- ¾ cup diced yellow onion
- 2 tablespoons oil, avocado oil or olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 24 oz marinara sauce
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water for 2 minutes less than the directions on the packet. This will take approximately 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and transfer the pasta to a 9x13 baking dish. While the pasta is cooking, move forward with the recipe.
- In a sauté pan over medium heat, add the meatballs, onions, avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Add the minced garlic, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for just 1 minute more.
- Transfer the meatballs, onions, and garlic to the baking dish. Pour the marinara sauce on top of the pasta and meatballs. Mix until combined and then spread into an even layer. Top the casserole with mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes (uncovered), until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle parsley on top, if desired, and then serve immediately.
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Notes
Store Leftovers: Cool the casserole, then cover the dish tightly or move portions to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave until hot. For a larger amount, cover with foil and reheat at 350°F until heated through. If the pasta looks dry, stir in a splash of marinara or water before warming.
Make Ahead: Assemble the whole casserole up through the cheese, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When you are ready, bake it straight from the fridge and add a few extra minutes since it is starting cold.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 504kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 25g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Cholesterol: 63mg, Sodium: 690mg, Potassium: 594mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 565IU, Vitamin C: 8mg, Calcium: 181mg, Iron: 2mg