Introduction
Say hello to your new favorite comfort food: Cheesy Meatball Casserole! Perfect for dinner parties or family meals, this dish combines hearty meatballs with gooey cheese and a rich tomato sauce for a savory treat everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg, beaten
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- For the Casserole:
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until combined. Roll into meatballs.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. In a skillet, cook meatballs over medium heat until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be cooked through completely.
5. In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by half of the cooked pasta.
6. Place the meatballs on top of the pasta, then cover with the remaining pasta and sauce.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top and cover with foil.
8. Bake for 20 minutes, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving and enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving: Calories 450 kcal, Carbs 50g, Protein 25g, Fat 20g
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until combined. Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until they are browned on all sides. It is not necessary for them to be cooked through completely at this stage.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce across the bottom. Follow this with half of the cooked pasta.
Step 6: Add the Meatballs and Remaining Ingredients
Place the browned meatballs on top of the pasta layer. Then, cover with the remaining pasta and pour the rest of the marinara sauce over it.
Step 7: Add Cheese and Cover
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole. Cover the dish with foil to hold in moisture.
Step 8: Bake the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This will help the cheese become bubbly and golden.
Step 9: Serve
Once finished baking, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!
Notes
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Meatball Casserole pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers to the casserole for extra nutrition and flavor. You can also substitute the ground beef with turkey or chicken if preferred.
Cook techniques
Meatball Preparation
Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
Pasta Cooking
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain and set aside.
Meatball Cooking
Brown meatballs in a skillet over medium heat. Ensure all sides are browned, but they do not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Layering the Casserole
In the baking dish, start with a layer of marinara sauce, then half of the cooked pasta, followed by the browned meatballs, the rest of the pasta, and top with marinara sauce.
Baking
Cover the casserole with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
FAQ
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef.
What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Cheddar, provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses can be used if you prefer different cheese flavors.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or mix diced jalapeños into the meatball mixture for extra heat.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and refrigerate for a day. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.
Conclusion
