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Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole

A cozy, hands-off casserole where tender meatballs, pasta, and marinara simmer together in the slow cooker, then get blanketed with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s an all-in-one family dinner that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Dish, Meal Prep
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 6 people
Calories 480 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 bag (24 oz) frozen fully cooked meatballs (beef, turkey, or chicken)
  • 3 cups marinara or spaghetti sauce (thick style preferred)
  • 3 cups uncooked short pasta (penne, ziti, or rotini)
  • 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained (optional for extra texture)
  • 1/2 cup finely diced onion (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

Instructions
 

  • Lightly grease the inside of the slow cooker.
  • Spread half of the marinara in an even layer on the bottom of the crock.
  • Add the frozen fully cooked meatballs in a mostly single layer.
  • Scatter in the uncooked pasta and optional diced onion. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the top.
  • Pour in the remaining marinara and the water or broth. If using diced tomatoes, add them now. Gently stir just enough to distribute so most pasta is submerged.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, until pasta is tender and meatballs are heated through. Stir once about halfway through; add a splash of liquid if the pasta absorbs too quickly.
  • About 15–20 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the casserole. Cover again to melt into a gooey layer.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil if desired. Scoop and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1peopleCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 24gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gSodium: 980mgFiber: 4gSugar: 9g
Keyword Best dinner prep meals, Budget-Friendly Recipes, crockpot pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinners, meal prep microwave lunches, Quick Family Meals, slow cooker meatball casserole
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