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Meatball Casserole Recipe

Irresistible Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Enjoy this comforting Meatball Casserole Recipe filled with juicy meatballs and rich marinara, perfect for cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Marinara Layer
  • 1 cup Marinara Sauce Choose high-quality or homemade for best flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced; increase for stronger kick.
For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can be swapped with ground turkey or chicken.
  • 1 pound Italian Sausage Choose between mild or spicy.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder.
  • 1 cup Italian Breadcrumbs Opt for gluten-free for gluten-free version.
  • 1 small Yellow Onion Finely chopped.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
For the Topping
  • 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese A blend with provolone enhances flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Recommended to garnish before serving.
  • Fresh Basil or Flat-Leaf Parsley Optional.

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowl
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine lean ground beef, Italian sausage, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until just combined.
  4. Form the mixture into about 9 evenly sized meatballs and place them in the baking dish over the marinara sauce.
  5. Cover the meatballs with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  6. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and continue to bake for an additional 5 minutes for a golden finish.
  8. Let the Meatball Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving, garnished with fresh basil or parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Avoid overmixing the meatball ingredients to keep them tender. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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