Meatball Casserole Recipe
Introduction: Meatball casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the flavors of tender meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese, all baked to perfection. It’s a perfect dish for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, offering a satisfying and flavorful experience. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients: For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated, but be careful not to overmix as this can make the meatballs tough.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet as you go. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meatballs on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Arrange the browned meatballs in the dish in a single layer.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are all well coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve the meatball casserole with a side of crusty bread or over a bed of pasta for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bake it when ready to serve.
- Add Veggies: For a more balanced meal, consider adding vegetables like sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix them into the meatball mixture.
Conclusion: This meatball casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. With its tender meatballs, rich sauce, and melty cheese, it’s a dish that offers comfort and satisfaction with every bite. Enjoy it with your favorite sides, and savor the flavors of this classic comfort food!
