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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking.
- 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.
- Carefully craft uniform meatballs by rolling the meat mixture into consistent, round shapes.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear meatballs until exterior develops a rich, golden-brown crust on all surfaces.
- Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce across the bottom of a casserole dish to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Arrange the browned meatballs atop the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Generously coat meatballs with additional marinara sauce, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the sauced meatballs, covering them completely.
- For those who enjoy heat, dust the surface with red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick.
- Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
- 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