Craving a mouthwatering meal that'll have your family begging for seconds? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner game with the ultimate Overnight Meatball and Pasta Casserole - the lazy cook's dream and flavor enthusiast's paradise! This Italian-inspired comfort food is about to become your new go-to recipe that combines convenience, incredible taste, and minimal effort. Imagine diving into a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece that looks like you've been slaving in the kitchen all day, when in reality, it's practically foolproof!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs
- Pasta
- Marinara sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, but reduce cooking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure it doesn't become overcooked during baking. Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the partially cooked pasta, frozen meatballs, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole, ensuring even coverage.
- Dust the top with grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor and a golden crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly with slight golden edges.
- Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Use quality frozen meatballs to save time, but for extra flavor, consider slightly browning them before adding to the casserole.
- Don't fully cook the pasta - aim for about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to prevent mushy texture after baking.
- Choose a marinara sauce with robust flavor, as it's the primary seasoning base for your dish.
- For a crispy top, use a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese and broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to set properly.
- Customize by adding extra herbs like fresh basil or red pepper flakes for a personal touch.
- This dish freezes beautifully - make an extra batch for easy future meals!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 572kcal
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 40mg
