Easy recipe for 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole
Craving an easy dinner? This cheesy Slow Cooker Meatball Casserole is a simple, family-friendly meal that comes together with minimal effort. Using just five simple ingredients, the slow cooker does most of the work to create a hearty and delicious dish your whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 24-ounce bag frozen cooked Italian-style meatballs about 32 meatballs
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce use your favorite brand
- 8 ounces rotini pasta or other short pasta like penne or ziti
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
- Combine the frozen meatballs and entire jar of marinara sauce in the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker. Stir gently to ensure all meatballs are coated in sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 1.5-2 hours, until the meatballs are heated through.
- About 30 minutes before the meatballs are done, cook the rotini pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well using a colander.
- Once the meatballs are heated through, stir the cooked pasta, ricotta cheese, and 1 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese directly into the slow cooker. Mix gently until everything is well combined.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Place the lid back on the slow cooker and continue to cook on LOW for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
- Turn off the slow cooker. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Flavor Boost: For extra flavor, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with the marinara sauce in the first step.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
Variations: Feel free to use different types of pasta or cheese. A mix of mozzarella and provolone works wonderfully. You can also add some cooked vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
