Are you craving a mouthwatering, hassle-free meal that combines the irresistible flavors of juicy meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese? Look no further! This Ninja Foodi Meatball Casserole is about to become your new go-to dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality dish that's so easy, even beginner cooks can master it with confidence.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Frozen meatballs
- Marinara sauce
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Cooked pasta
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the Ninja Foodi pressure cooker/air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the inner pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the frozen meatballs in a single layer at the bottom of the Ninja Foodi pot.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring each meatball is well-coated.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning generously over the sauce and meatballs for added flavor.
- Add cooked pasta around and between the meatballs, mixing gently to distribute sauce.
- Top the casserole with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Close the Ninja Foodi lid and set to air crisp function for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are heated through.
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the pot and let it rest for 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the Ninja Foodi pot, ensuring each serving has meatballs, pasta, and cheese.
Tips
- Use high-quality frozen meatballs for consistent texture and flavor
- Ensure your pasta is pre-cooked to prevent undercooked or mushy results
- For extra flavor, consider using a blend of Italian cheeses instead of just mozzarella
- Don't overcrowd the Ninja Foodi pot - keep meatballs in a single layer for even cooking
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow flavors to meld and cheese to set
- Fresh parsley isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, fresh note to the rich dish
- Experiment with different marinara sauces to customize the flavor profile
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 75mg
