Description
This easy Meatball Casserole combines fully cooked meatballs with fusilli pasta, marinara sauce, and a blend of cheese, baked together for a comforting and flavorful dish. With just a few simple ingredients and one baking dish, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight meal that serves 8 to 10 people.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 (16-oz.) package frozen fully-cooked meatballs, thawed
- 1 (16-oz.) package uncooked fusilli pasta
- 1 (24-oz.) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil, divided
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare oven and baking dish: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly coat a 13- x 9-inch broiler safe baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add ingredients to baking dish, and bake: In the prepared baking dish, combine the thawed meatballs, uncooked fusilli pasta, marinara sauce, chicken broth, whole milk, 2 tablespoons of chopped basil, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to distribute ingredients evenly. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Check pasta: Carefully remove the dish from the oven and stir the casserole. Check the pasta for doneness; it should be al dente—nearly cooked but still firm to the bite. If the pasta is not yet done, cover the casserole again and return it to the oven for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the pasta is fully cooked.
- Add cheese: Remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of chopped basil on top.
- Bake, uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted completely.
- Broil topping (optional): For a crispier and browned cheese topping, broil the casserole on high for 1 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Thaw meatballs completely before assembling the casserole to ensure even heating.
- Be sure to cover the casserole tightly with foil to trap steam, which helps cook the pasta evenly.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute meatballs with plant-based alternatives.
- The casserole can be prepared a few hours in advance and baked when ready.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
