Ground Beef Meatball Pizza Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (24 ounce) jar pizza sauce
• 1 (12 ounce) package pasta, cooked according to package directions
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Optional toppings: pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers

Step-by-Step

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

4. Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

5. In a large skillet, brown the meatballs over medium heat until cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

6. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and pizza sauce.

7. Gently stir to coat the pasta evenly.

8. Pour half of the pasta mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

9. Sprinkle one cup of mozzarella cheese over the pasta.

10. Arrange the cooked meatballs over the cheese.

11. Pour the remaining pasta mixture over the meatballs.

12. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

13. Add any desired toppings, such as pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.

14. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

15. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

16. Enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Meatball Pizza Casserole

This Ground Beef Meatball Pizza Casserole recipe is a family favorite for a reason. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying.

It combines the best parts of pizza and pasta. This makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

The Perfect Comfort Food

This casserole screams comfort food. The combination of savory meatballs, cheesy goodness, and flavorful pizza sauce is irresistible.

Every bite is warm and fulfilling. It’s the kind of meal that sticks to your ribs. It’s perfect for chilly evenings.

Versatile and Customizable

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your liking.

Don’t like ground beef? Use ground turkey or sausage. Want more vegetables? Add some chopped onions, peppers, or zucchini.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and toppings. Make it your own!

Tips for the Best Meatball Pizza Casserole

Follow these tips for a guaranteed delicious Meatball Pizza Casserole. Your family will request it every week.

Choosing the Right Ground Beef

For the best flavor, use ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20. This will keep the meatballs moist and tender.

Leaner ground beef can be used, but you may need to add a little extra oil to the skillet when browning them.

Avoid extra-lean ground beef. The meatballs may turn out dry.

Perfecting the Meatballs

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture. This can make them tough.

Gently combine the ingredients until they are just mixed. Also, don’t overcook the meatballs during the browning process. They will finish cooking in the oven.

Make sure to use fresh bread crumbs for the best texture.

Sauce and Cheese Selection

Use a high-quality pizza sauce for the most authentic flavor. Look for one that is rich and flavorful.

Freshly grated mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a delicious creamy texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

Want to switch things up? There are many ways to customize this classic Meatball Pizza Casserole.

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or pizza sauce for a spicy kick. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

Another option is to add some sliced jalapenos to the top of the casserole before baking.

Vegetable Packed

Add some chopped vegetables to the casserole for extra nutrients and flavor.

Some great options include bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. You can sauté the vegetables before adding them to the casserole, or simply add them raw.

Creamy Delight

Add a layer of ricotta cheese between the pasta and meatballs for a creamy and decadent twist.

You can also mix some cream cheese into the pizza sauce for a richer flavor.

Making Ahead and Storing Instructions

This Meatball Pizza Casserole is a great make-ahead meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. It also stores well.

Preparing in Advance

You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is cold.

You can also prepare the meatballs in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meatball Pizza Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until heated through.

You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This Meatball Pizza Casserole is a complete meal on its own. However, you can serve it with a few simple sides for a more complete dinner.

Side Salads

A fresh green salad is a great accompaniment to this casserole. The crisp lettuce and refreshing dressing provide a nice contrast to the rich and cheesy casserole.

A Caesar salad or a simple vinaigrette salad are both excellent choices.

Garlic Bread

Garlic bread is the perfect side for soaking up all the delicious pizza sauce. You can use store-bought garlic bread or make your own.

Simply spread some garlic butter on slices of bread and bake until golden brown.

Steamed Vegetables

Steamed vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish. Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all great choices.

Season the vegetables with salt, pepper, and a little olive oil for extra flavor.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or ziti are all good choices.

Make sure to cook the pasta according to package directions before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use pre-made meatballs?

Yes, you can use pre-made meatballs if you are short on time. Look for high-quality meatballs that are made with ground beef and Italian seasonings.

Be sure to brown them before adding them to the casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw completely before baking.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent the pasta from getting mushy, don’t overcook it. Cook it al dente, which means it should be slightly firm to the bite.

Also, be sure to drain the pasta well before adding it to the casserole.

Can I add other toppings?

Yes, you can add any toppings you like. Pepperoni, mushrooms, olives, bell peppers, or onions are all great choices.