Cozy Meatball Casserole Recipe: Hearty Comfort in Every Bite

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable meatball casserole that promises to satisfy every hungry soul.

Hearty and packed with flavor, the casserole blends tender meatballs with rich, melting cheese and perfectly seasoned sauce.

Each bite delivers a symphony of taste that warms the heart and delights the palate.

Layers of savory ingredients create a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly evening.

The recipe combines classic ingredients with a modern twist that elevates the humble meatball to a star status.

Cheese lovers and meat enthusiasts will find themselves swooning over this irresistible combination of textures and flavors.

Cozy Night in with Meatball Casserole

• Boost Comfort: A hearty, cheesy meatball casserole that wraps you in warmth and satisfies deep hunger pangs with its rich, Italian-inspired flavors.
• Quick Meal Solution: Minimal prep work lets you mix, shape meatballs, and bake quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious but don't have hours to cook.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Universally loved by both kids and adults, this recipe offers a crowd-friendly dish that brings everyone together around the dinner table with its irresistible blend of meats, herbs, and melted cheese.
• Customizable Delight: Easily adaptable by switching up meat ratios, adding different herbs, or serving over pasta, making it a versatile recipe that matches your mood and pantry ingredients.

What You’ll Need for Meatball Casserole

• Ground Beef: A flavorful and lean protein that forms the primary foundation of the meatballs.
• Ground Pork: Adds richness and moisture to the meatball mixture.

• Breadcrumbs: Helps hold the meatballs together and provides a light texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor to the meatball mixture.
• Egg: Serves as a binding agent to keep the meatballs compact.
• Milk: Helps create a tender and moist meatball texture.

• Garlic, Oregano, Basil, Salt, Pepper: Provide a classic Italian-style seasoning blend for depth of flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for browning the meatballs in the skillet.
• Marinara Sauce: Creates a rich, tangy base for the casserole.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into a gooey, stretchy topping.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for adding a spicy kick.

• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

• Pasta: Provides a classic base for serving the meatball casserole.

Building a Meatball Casserole, One Step at a Time

Step 1: Prepare Oven for Baking

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Get your baking dish ready for some serious comfort food action.

Step 2: Create Magical Meatball Mixture

• Ground beef
• Ground pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Fresh basil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Milk

Massage these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and harmonious.

Step 3: Shape Delectable Meatballs

Roll the meat mixture into round, mouth-watering meatballs.

Aim for consistent size to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Brown Meatballs to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Gently place meatballs into the sizzling pan.

Cook until each side develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust.

This step locks in those incredible flavors.

Step 5: Arrange Meatball Base

Grab your casserole dish and spread a thin, luxurious layer of marinara sauce across the bottom.

Step 6: Layer with Cheesy Goodness

Nestle the browned meatballs into the marinara sauce.

Generously pour additional marinara over the meatballs.

Sprinkle a blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.

Step 7: Add Spicy Kick

If you’re feeling adventurous, dust the top with red pepper flakes for an extra zing.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Beautiful

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves.

For an ultimate comfort meal, serve over warm, tender pasta.

Tips for Tasty Meatball Casserole Success

• Mix meats with breadcrumbs and milk to keep meatballs moist and tender during baking.
• Use a blend of ground beef and pork for richer, more complex taste profile.
• Choose lean ground meats to reduce overall calories while maintaining juiciness.
• Pan-fry meatballs briefly to develop delicious caramelized exterior and lock in internal moisture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to match personal spice preference without overwhelming other flavors.

Meatball Casserole: Unique Spins to Try

• Gluten-Free Meatball Casserole: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Meatball Alternative: Substitute ground meat with lentils, black beans, or plant-based meat alternatives. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds. Use a low-carb marinara sauce and extra cheese for added richness.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add chopped fresh mint, diced olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Use za'atar seasoning instead of traditional Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions for Meatball Casserole Fans

• Hearty Pasta Companion: Serve the meatball casserole over al dente spaghetti or linguine for a classic Italian-style meal that soaks up the delicious marinara sauce.
• Bread Basket Delight: Pair with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia to mop up extra sauce and add a crunchy texture to your dining experience.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Complement the rich casserole with a crisp green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's hearty flavors and add a refreshing element.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the savory meatball and tomato sauce profile.

Storing and Reheating Meatball Casserole

• Store leftover meatball casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap the casserole securely in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cheese topping looks separated.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a mix of meats for a different flavor profile.

• Is it necessary to fry the meatballs before baking?

Frying helps develop a crispy exterior and locks in flavor, but you can skip this step and place raw meatballs directly in the casserole if you prefer.

• How can I make the meatballs more tender?

Add grated onion or soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to keep the meatballs moist and tender during baking.

• Can I prepare the meatball casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold.

Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets Italian-inspired magic in this hearty Meatball Casserole, blending savory ground beef, rich marinara, and melted cheese into a single skillet sensation. Cheesy layers and herbed breadcrumbs create a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Meat Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
• 1 pound ground pork
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 egg (beaten)

Cheese and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Seasoning and Base Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 3 cups marinara sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil
• 1/2 cup sautéed onions
• Cooked pasta (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking.
2. Combine ground beef, pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, blending ingredients thoroughly until well-incorporated.
3. Carefully craft uniform meatballs by rolling the meat mixture into consistent, round shapes.
4. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear meatballs until exterior develops a rich, golden-brown crust on all surfaces.
5. Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
6. Arrange the browned meatballs atop the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
7. Generously coat meatballs with additional marinara sauce, creating a robust flavor profile.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauced meatballs, covering them completely.
9. For those who enjoy heat, dust the surface with red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick.
10. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
12. Optional: Serve the meatball casserole over a bed of cooked pasta to create a more substantial meal.

Notes

• Choose ground meats with a good fat content (80/20 mix) to ensure juicy, flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during baking.
• Soak breadcrumbs in milk before mixing to create a more tender and moist meatball texture that prevents them from becoming dense or tough.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Try alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the casserole.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 488 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg