Description
Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole, blending rich Italian flavors with simple home-style cooking. Savory meatballs nestled in creamy sauce promise a satisfying meal that welcomes you home with warmth and deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 (24 ounces / 680 grams) bag frozen fully cooked meatballs
Pasta and Sauce:
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings and Cheese:
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Gently place the meatballs into the slow cooker and pour in the marinara sauce, adding liquid to create a rich, flavorful base.
- Season the mixture with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and a delicate balance of salt and pepper, stirring to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Carefully nestle the uncooked pasta into the sauce, making certain it is mostly submerged to promote even cooking.
- Set the slow cooker to high temperature and allow the dish to simmer for approximately 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or alternatively use the low setting for 5-6 hours until the pasta reaches a perfectly tender consistency.
- In the final stages of cooking, generously sprinkle a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese across the surface, creating a luscious, melted topping.
- Cover and continue cooking until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling layer that adds a creamy richness to the casserole.
- Once complete, serve the meatball casserole piping hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs to enhance the visual appeal and provide a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Customize meatballs by using homemade or store-bought varieties to match dietary preferences like gluten-free, beef, turkey, or plant-based alternatives.
- Use whole wheat or protein-enriched pasta for added nutrition and to create a more balanced one-pot meal that supports healthier eating goals.
- Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by choosing shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini, which hold up better during slow cooking and maintain a pleasant texture.
- Reduce sodium content by selecting low-sodium marinara sauce and using low-sodium broth, perfect for those monitoring salt intake or managing heart health.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg