Introduction:
One Pan Meatball Casserole is a delicious and convenient dish that combines savory meatballs, tender pasta, flavorful marinara sauce, and melted cheese into one hearty meal. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup. With its comforting flavors and all-in-one preparation, One Pan Meatball Casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Origin and Popularity:
While the exact origin of One Pan Meatball Casserole is unclear, it likely emerged as a convenient and budget-friendly way to use pantry staples like pasta, marinara sauce, and frozen meatballs. Casseroles are a popular dish in many cultures, known for their versatility and ability to feed a crowd with minimal effort. One Pan Meatball Casserole offers a delicious twist on classic pasta and meatball dishes, making it a beloved option for home cooks looking for simple yet satisfying meals.
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
- 8 ounces pasta (such as penne, rotini, or ziti)
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Optional Additions:
- Sliced bell peppers
- Sliced onions
- Mushrooms
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Additional grated cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Make the Meatballs:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Place the cooked pasta in the prepared skillet or baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange the meatballs on top of the sauce and pasta.
- Bake the Casserole:
- Cover the skillet or baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return the casserole to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve the One Pan Meatball Casserole hot, directly from the skillet or baking dish. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Feel free to customize the casserole with your favorite pasta shape, meatball seasoning, or additional vegetables.
- If you prefer, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs instead of making your own.
- For a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for a few minutes at the end of the baking time until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Conclusion:
One Pan Meatball Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings together the classic combination of pasta, marinara sauce, meatballs, and cheese in one easy-to-make meal. With its simple preparation and minimal cleanup, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying dinner without a lot of fuss. Serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete and delicious meal that the whole family will love.
Recommendation:
Pair One Pan Meatball Casserole with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the casserole. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or enjoying as leftovers for lunch the next day. Whether served for dinner or enjoyed as a comforting weekend meal, One Pan Meatball Casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!