Meatball Casserole Recipe

Meatball Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines the flavors of savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy weeknights when you want to serve something delicious and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's dive into how to make this delightful dish!

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Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 24 oz marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1 lb pasta (e.g., penne or rigatoni)

Preparation:

Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish and set aside.

Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped onion, chopped parsley, egg, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet.

Step 3:
Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4:
Spread half of the marinara sauce in the bottom of the prepared casserole dish. Arrange the cooked pasta evenly over the sauce. Place the baked meatballs on top of the pasta, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.

Step 5:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 6:
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and parsley before serving.

Cooking Note:

For a richer flavor, you can use a mixture of ground beef and ground pork in your meatballs. Additionally, feel free to use your favorite marinara sauce, whether it's homemade or store-bought.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Meatball Casserole with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, pairs wonderfully with this dish. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed vegetables on the side.

Tips:

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Assemble the casserole just before baking.
2. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
3. Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or fontina, to change up the flavor profile.

Prep Time:

30 minutes

Cooking Time:

35 minutes

Total Time:

65 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 900mg

Conclusion

This Meatball Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that's perfect for any occasion. Combining savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it's a meal that will satisfy even the heartiest of appetites. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with your loved ones and savor the deliciousness of homemade comfort food at its best.

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