One Pan Meatball Casserole
Indulge in the comforting flavors of One Pan Meatball Casserole, where savory meatballs meet gooey cheese and rich pasta sauce for a delightful family meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends, this one-pan wonder simplifies cooking and cleanup without sacrificing taste. Each bite offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups pasta sauce
- 2 cups short pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a large oven-safe skillet with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until combined.
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium heat and brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8 minutes.
- Pour in the pasta sauce, then add uncooked pasta along with about 1 cup of water. Stir gently to combine.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover with foil, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, incorporate diced bell peppers or spinach into the casserole. Substitute meatballs with lentils or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Chill meatballs before cooking to help maintain their shape.