Name: Meatball Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 6 ounces whole wheat pasta; 2-3 slices whole wheat bread (for making 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs); 1 pound extra lean ground turkey; 8 ounces spicy Italian turkey sausage (casings removed); 1 large egg (lightly beaten); 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided, plus additional for tossing the pasta); 1 small yellow onion; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 32 ounces prepared red pasta sauce (about 3 1/2 cups); 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach (squeezed dry); 8 ounces fresh mozzarella

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner that brings everyone to the table, Meatball Casserole is your golden ticket. Tender turkey meatballs, whole wheat pasta, and layers of gooey cheese all nestle together under a blanket of rich, flavorful sauce. Each bite is packed with color, satisfying texture, and a perfect balance of comfort and brightness. This is the kind of dish you’ll crave on chilly evenings, bring to potlucks, or whip up for a Sunday supper—it never disappoints. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or stepping into the kitchen with excitement, this Meatball Casserole will make you feel like a kitchen superstar.

Meatball Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Meatball Casserole comes from a handful of humble, familiar ingredients—each one plays a crucial role in creating the ultimate comfort dish. From juicy turkey to fragrant herbs and gooey mozzarella, every element adds a special touch to the final result.

Whole wheat pasta (6 ounces): Pick your favorite shape; whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and boosts fiber.
Whole wheat bread (2-3 slices): Fresh breadcrumbs give the meatballs wonderful texture and help bind them together.
Extra lean ground turkey (1 pound): Keeps the meatballs light, tender, and flavorful.
Spicy Italian turkey sausage (8 ounces): Adds a kick of flavor and richness, making the meatballs irresistible.
Large egg (1, lightly beaten): Gives structure and helps hold the meatball mix together.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning both the meat and the sauce.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Brings umami and a salty, nutty finish to the meatballs.
Chopped fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Lends freshness and a pop of green flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil (4 tablespoons, divided): Adds richness and helps sauté the aromatics and meatballs.
Small yellow onion (1): Aromatic base for the sauce, enhancing every bite.
Garlic cloves (2, minced): For depth and bold, savory aroma.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb with a lovely earthy note.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough warmth without being overpowering.
Prepared red pasta sauce (32 ounces): Use a good-quality jarred sauce for great flavor and convenience.
Frozen chopped spinach (10 ounces, squeezed dry): Sneaks in extra veggies, making the casserole extra hearty and colorful.
Fresh mozzarella (8 ounces): Half shredded, half sliced—melty, stretchy perfection.

How to Make Meatball Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Let’s get started by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 400 degrees F. This way, everything’s hot and ready the moment your Meatball Casserole is assembled and itching to be baked.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your pasta. The trick here is to cook it just until barely al dente—it should still have a little bite because it will finish cooking in the oven alongside all those tasty flavors. Drain the pasta and toss it with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking, then set aside while you work your magic on the meatballs.

Step 3: Make the Meatball Mixture

Add your whole wheat bread slices to a food processor and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. Measure out 3/4 cup and place them in a large bowl. To this, add the ground turkey, spicy turkey sausage (casings removed), beaten egg, kosher salt, grated Parmesan, and fresh parsley. The best way to mix is gently with your hands or two forks—just enough to combine without packing the meat too tightly, so your meatballs turn out moist and tender.

Step 4: Shape and Brown the Meatballs

Scoop up the mixture and roll it into 2-inch balls. You’ll end up with about 28 perfect little meatballs. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, then add your meatballs in a single layer. Brown them all over, turning occasionally—about 10 minutes. This step gives the Meatball Casserole its deep, savory dimension. Transfer browned meatballs to a plate, keeping all those flavorful browned bits in the skillet for your sauce.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in minced onion and cook until it softens and begins to brown, then add the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Let everything sizzle for about 30 seconds until it smells incredible. Pour in your favorite jarred pasta sauce and stir in the squeezed-dry spinach—it melts right into the sauce, boosting nutrition and color without overwhelming the other flavors. Slide the meatballs back into the skillet and let the sauce gently simmer for around 20 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked and soaking up all those delicious juices.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Add the cooked pasta and 4 ounces of shredded mozzarella directly to the skillet with the meatballs and sauce. Toss everything together gently—you want every noodle and meatball to get a good coating. Top it all off with the remaining 4 ounces of sliced mozzarella, distributing it so every serving gets a stretchy, golden layer once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and golden around the edges. For the best texture, let your Meatball Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and slicing is extra clean. Get ready for the applause!

How to Serve Meatball Casserole

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds the perfect finishing touch to your Meatball Casserole. If you like a touch of heat, a quick dusting of crushed red pepper flakes over the melted cheese makes each bite pop. For a hint of freshness, toss on a few bright basil leaves just before serving.

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole loves cozy, simple sides. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette balances the richness brilliantly. Or, serve it with roasted broccoli or garlicky green beans to keep the whole meal vibrant and satisfying. And don’t forget a basket of warm, crusty bread—perfect for mopping up extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving your Meatball Casserole directly in mini cast-iron skillets for a bistro-style presentation. For potlucks, bake in a pretty ceramic casserole dish and garnish with extra herbs for a centerpiece effect. You can even turn leftovers into hearty subs: stuff them into hoagie rolls, top with mozzarella, and bake until melty—comfort food remix!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Meatball Casserole stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. The flavors meld even more overnight, making leftovers crave-worthy for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

For a meal-prep miracle, freeze individual portions or the whole assembled (but unbaked) casserole. Wrap tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready for a low-fuss dinner, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the casserole (covered with foil) in a 350-degree F oven until warmed through and the cheese is melty—usually about 25-30 minutes. For a single serving, a quick zap in the microwave works too. A splash of water or extra sauce can help revive that just-baked creaminess.

FAQs

Can I substitute another protein instead of turkey?

Absolutely. This Meatball Casserole welcomes ground chicken, lean beef, or even a plant-based substitute. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand; just keep an eye on cooking time, as different meats may vary slightly in how quickly they cook through.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini are perfect because they catch all that luscious sauce in their nooks and crannies. But truly, any bite-sized pasta will work, so use whatever you love most or have in your pantry.

Can I make Meatball Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole ahead and refrigerate it, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. When it’s time for dinner, just pop it in the oven and bake until bubbly and delicious. It’s ideal for busy nights or prepping for guests in advance.

Do I need a special skillet or can I use a baking dish?

If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, simply transfer everything to a classic 9×13-inch baking dish before baking. It works just as well, and you’ll still get those cheesy, crispy edges and bubbling sauce.

How can I add extra veggies?

Feel free to mix in extra sautéed mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini with the sauce and spinach for even more color and nutrition. This Meatball Casserole is wonderfully flexible and adapts to whatever’s in season or in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Meatball Casserole has earned a spot on our regular dinner rotation: it’s as comforting as it is versatile, and every forkful delivers a burst of home-cooked warmth. I hope you’ll give it a try—once you experience that bubbling cheese and tender, flavorful meatballs nestled in savory sauce, I think it’ll become one of your favorites too.

Meatball Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

A comforting and flavorful Meatball Casserole recipe that combines tender meatballs, pasta, spinach, and gooey mozzarella cheese in a rich red sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering.

Instructions

Preheat: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 400 degrees F.
Boil: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until barely al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Mix: Pulse bread in a food processor and combine with ground turkey, sausage, egg, salt, Parmesan, and parsley. Form into balls.
Cook: Brown meatballs in olive oil, then set aside.
Simmer: Cook onion, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, pasta sauce, and spinach. Add meatballs and simmer.
Assemble: Add pasta and shredded mozzarella to the skillet. Top with sliced mozzarella and bake.
Bake: Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly. Let rest before serving.