Meatball Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner

Meatball Casserole: A Comforting Delight

Meatball Casserole is a dish that brings warmth and joy to any dining table. This hearty meal combines tender meatballs, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, creating a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible. Originating from various culinary traditions, casseroles have long been a staple in home cooking, offering a convenient way to feed families and friends alike. The beauty of Meatball Casserole lies not only in its delicious taste but also in its comforting texture, making it a favorite for gatherings and weeknight dinners.

People love this dish for its versatility and ease of preparation. Whether you’re using homemade meatballs or store-bought, the assembly is quick and straightforward, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones. Plus, the combination of savory meatballs and melted cheese creates a satisfying experience that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. If you’re looking for a meal that embodies comfort and convenience, look no further than Meatball Casserole!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
• Olive oil for greasing

Preparing the Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. This combination gives the meatballs a rich flavor and a tender texture.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
3. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

Cooking the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
4. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside. If necessary, add more oil to the skillet for the next batch.

Preparing the Casserole

1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will prevent the meatballs from sticking and add flavor.
2. Next, add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the sauce.
3. Place the browned meatballs on top of the pasta, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
4. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated.
5. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious, gooey layer once baked.

Baking the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the moisture in and prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. This allows the meatballs to cook through and the flavors to meld together.
3. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and makes it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

1. Serve the meatball casserole warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor.
2. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
3. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and they reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Tips for Success

• Feel free to customize the meatballs by adding your favorite herbs or spices. Oregano, basil, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
• If you prefer a lighter version

  

  Conclusion:

  If you’re looking for a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the whole family together, this Meatball Casserole is an absolute must-try! With its layers of savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and flavorful sauce, it’s a meal that not only warms the heart but also pleases the palate. The combination of textures and flavors makes this casserole a standout, whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

  One of the best things about this Meatball Casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For a healthier twist, consider using turkey or chicken meatballs instead of traditional beef. If you’re looking to add some extra veggies, feel free to toss in some sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. You can also switch up the cheese—try using mozzarella for a classic touch, or go bold with pepper jack for a spicy kick.

  When it comes to serving suggestions, this casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. You could also serve it over a bed of pasta or rice for a heartier meal. And don’t forget about leftovers! This Meatball Casserole reheats wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch the next day.

  I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy it brings to your table. Cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Once you’ve made this Meatball Casserole, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Your feedback not only inspires me but also helps others discover the joy of cooking.

  So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! This Meatball Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking!

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  Meatball Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Dinner

  This Meatball Casserole features a delicious combination of tender meatballs made from ground beef and pork, layered with pasta and marinara sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It's a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

  Prep Time20 minutes

  Cook Time40 minutes

  Total Time60 minutes

  Category: Dinner

  Yield: 6-8 servings

  Save This Recipe

  Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound ground pork
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
  • Olive oil for greasing

  Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork.
  2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the meat mixture.
  3. Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to overmix.
  4. Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, yielding around 20-24 meatballs.
  5. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  6. In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
  7. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
  8. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate and set aside.
  9. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
  10. Add the cooked pasta to the baking dish, spreading it evenly over the sauce.
  11. Place the browned meatballs on top of the pasta.
  12. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
  13. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top.
  14. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
  15. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  16. After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  17. Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving.

  Notes

  • Serve warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  • Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.