Paula Deen’s Meatball Pasta Casserole

Here’s a full recipe for Paula Deen’s Meatball Pasta Casserole — cozy, hearty, and perfect for family dinners!

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Paula Deen’s Meatball Pasta Casserole

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Servings: 6–8

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Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen meatballs (or homemade, if preferred)
• 12 oz pasta (penne or ziti work best)
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions, but stop 1–2 minutes early (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.
3. Mix Sauce Base:
   In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, sour cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked pasta, frozen meatballs, and sauce mixture.
   • Stir gently to combine everything together.
5. Add Cheese:
   Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
   Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   Remove foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Tips:

• Homemade meatballs: If you have time, homemade meatballs make this casserole even more delicious.
• Make ahead: Assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready!
• Extra cheesy: Add extra mozzarella between the layers for extra gooey goodness.

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What to Serve with Meatball Casserole:

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up all that extra sauce.
• Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or garden salad balances the richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are great lighter sides.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers pair beautifully.
• Antipasto Platter: Olives, marinated artichokes, and cured meats for a fun Italian-inspired starter!

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Can You Freeze Meatball Casserole?

Yes!
Meatball casserole freezes really well, either before or after baking:

• Before Baking: Assemble everything (except cheese on top), wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese, and bake as directed.
• After Baking: Let the casserole cool completely, cover tightly, and freeze. Reheat individual portions or the whole casserole at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–30 minutes if reheating the whole dish).

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Make Ahead:

• Prep Ahead:
  You can assemble the entire casserole (through the layering step), cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• Day Before Plan:
  Cook the pasta, mix the sauce, and prepare the meatballs a day ahead. Then, quickly assemble and bake when needed!
• Meal Prep Tip:
  Portion into smaller containers before freezing for easy single-serve lunches or quick dinners.

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