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Meatball Casserole Recipe – Easy Cheesy Comfort Food Dinner

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This easy meatball casserole features juicy beef meatballs nestled in marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp milk (any type)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese (for topping)
  • Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, diced bell peppers or mushrooms, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil or spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, 1/4 cup parmesan, milk, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  3. Scoop out the mixture and roll into 18-20 meatballs (about 1-1.5 inches in diameter).
  4. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then transfer to a plate.
  5. Pour 1 cup marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared dish. Arrange meatballs on top. Pour remaining 1 cup marinara over the meatballs.
  6. Sprinkle with mozzarella and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is golden, sauce is bubbling, and meatballs are cooked through (internal temp 160°F). For extra browning, broil for 2 minutes if desired.
  8. Let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  9. Serve hot, making sure each portion has meatballs, sauce, and cheese.

Notes

For best results, do not overmix the meatball mixture. Browning the meatballs before baking adds extra flavor but is optional. Use hand-grated cheese for better melting. You can assemble the casserole ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your marinara and cheese labels. Add ricotta for extra creaminess or veggies for more nutrition.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, cheesy casserole, beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, Italian casserole, weeknight dinner

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