Penne and Meatball Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake

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👋 Introduction

If there’s one dish that always makes me think of cozy family dinners, it’s a bubbling casserole fresh out of the oven. And not just any casserole—this Penne and Meatball Casserole is the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table sigh with happiness after the very first bite.

Picture this: tender pasta, juicy meatballs, rich marinara, and a gooey layer of melted cheese all baked together until it’s golden and bubbly. It’s basically the lovechild of spaghetti and meatballs and lasagna—two comfort food classics in one.

I first made this casserole on a chilly Sunday night when I wanted something hearty but didn’t feel like fussing with a full lasagna. The result? My family devoured it so fast, I barely had leftovers for lunch the next day (and trust me, leftover Penne and Meatball Casserole is even better!).

🛒 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this crowd-pleaser:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork for extra flavor)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Casserole:

  • 12 oz penne pasta (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Substitution Ideas:

  • Healthier twist: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
  • Vegetarian option: Use plant-based meatballs or roasted veggies like zucchini and mushrooms.
  • Vegan version: Try dairy-free cheese shreds and vegan meatballs.
  • Gluten-free: Use GF breadcrumbs and pasta.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get cooking? Let’s break it down:

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, mix together ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Roll the mixture into bite-sized meatballs (about 1–1 ½ inches).
  4. Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, until cooked through.

👉 Pro tip: Want extra flavor? Brown the meatballs in a skillet before baking—they’ll get that golden crust everyone loves.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook penne pasta until just al dente (a minute less than package directions).
  3. Drain and toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking.

👉 Pro tip: Slightly undercooked pasta is perfect here because it will finish cooking in the oven without getting mushy.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

  1. In a big casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  2. Add half the cooked penne, then layer on half the meatballs.
  3. Pour over more sauce, sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
  4. Repeat layers until everything is used up, finishing with a cheesy top.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

  1. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

👉 Pro tip: If you love crispy cheese edges (like me!), broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end.

🍴 Extra Tips

  • Serving Suggestions: Pair your Penne and Meatball Casserole with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave individual portions.
  • Freezing: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight and bake as directed.

🥗 Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)

  • Calories: 520
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbs: 48g
  • Fat: 22g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 6g

(Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

❓ FAQ Section

Q: How long does Penne and Meatball Casserole take to make?
A: About 1 hour total—30 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I substitute the meat?
A: Absolutely! Turkey, chicken, pork, or even plant-based meatballs work perfectly.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes! Freeze before baking, then thaw and bake when you’re ready. It’s a great make-ahead dinner.

🎉 Conclusion

There you have it—your new go-to comfort food: Penne and Meatball Casserole. It’s hearty, cheesy, and just the kind of dish that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special.

So next time you’re craving something cozy (or need to feed a hungry crowd), skip the takeout and whip up this casserole instead. Trust me, once that cheesy aroma fills your kitchen, you’ll be glad you did.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below, share it with your friends, and don’t forget to snap a pic for Instagram—because casseroles deserve their moment of fame too. 😉