Cheesy Meatball & Shell Casserole Delight
This Cheesy Meatball & Shell Casserole Delight is a family favorite that combines the best of both worlds: the comforting flavors of meatball subs and the cheesy goodness of baked pasta. Featuring tender large shells filled with a rich ricotta and sour cream mixture, smothered in hearty marinara sauce, and layered with juicy meatballs, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Topped with gooey mozzarella and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it's a true crowd-pleaser your kids will be asking for time and again. Serve this delicious casserole at your next family gathering or cozy weeknight dinner and watch it disappear!
6
Servings
517
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
prepared meatballs
1 1/2 lbs (thawed and browned, if frozen)
large shell pasta
1 (16 ounce) box (cooked al dente)
ricotta cheese
2 cups (none)
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups (none)
sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon (none)
prepared spaghetti sauce
1 (28 ounce) jar (none)
grated Parmesan cheese
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the large shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
If using frozen meatballs, thaw them beforehand and then brown them on the stove or in the oven for added flavor and texture.
4
In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sour cream, Italian seasoning, and a dash of garlic and freshly ground pepper for extra flavor. Mix well until smooth.
5
Lightly spray a 9x13-inch deep baking dish with cooking spray (such as Pam) to prevent sticking.
6
Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
7
Layer half of the drained shell pasta over the sauce, ensuring even coverage.
8
Spread the ricotta mixture over the pasta shells, followed by an even layer of all the browned meatballs.
9
Add the remaining half of the shell pasta on top of the meatballs.
10
Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top layer of pasta.
11
Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole for that irresistible cheesy topping.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
13
Remove from the oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and comforting meal!
Nutrition Information
27g
Fat
47g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Meatball & Shell Casserole Delight?
It is a comforting baked pasta dish that combines large pasta shells, a creamy ricotta filling, hearty marinara sauce, and juicy meatballs topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this casserole?
The recipe calls for one 16-ounce box of large shell pasta, cooked al dente.
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use frozen prepared meatballs, but they should be thawed and browned before being added to the casserole.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the casserole take to bake?
Bake the casserole for 30 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
What ingredients are in the creamy filling?
The filling consists of 2 cups of ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and a dash of garlic and freshly ground pepper.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 517 calories.
What size baking dish is required?
A 9x13-inch deep baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How much meat is needed for this dish?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 pounds of prepared meatballs.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, lightly spray the dish with cooking spray to prevent the pasta from sticking.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese for the topping.
What kind of sauce should I use?
You should use one 28-ounce jar of prepared spaghetti sauce or marinara sauce.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 30 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 47 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content for this recipe?
The fat content is approximately 27 grams per serving.
Does the recipe use Parmesan cheese?
Yes, grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top to taste before baking.
How do I layer the casserole?
Layer sauce, then half the shells, the ricotta mixture, all the meatballs, the rest of the shells, more sauce, and finally the cheeses.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes, browning them beforehand is encouraged for better flavor and texture.
Is this a kid-friendly meal?
Yes, the recipe description notes it is a family favorite that kids will ask for time and again.
What should I do after taking it out of the oven?
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
What is the seasoning for the cheese mixture?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning plus garlic and freshly ground pepper.
Is sour cream necessary?
Yes, 1/2 cup of sour cream is mixed with the ricotta to create a rich, creamy texture.
How much pasta is in the box?
The recipe uses a standard 16-ounce box of pasta.
What are the main tags for this dish?
Common tags include casserole, meatballs, pasta, baked pasta, and comfort food.
Is this considered an Italian dish?
Yes, it features classic Italian flavors like marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
What is the texture of the cooked shells?
The shells should be cooked al dente before baking so they hold their shape.
How do I start the recipe?
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and boiling a large pot of salted water for the pasta.
Can I serve this at a gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as a crowd-pleaser perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
How much spaghetti sauce is needed in total?
You will need one 28-ounce jar of prepared sauce.