Welcome to the world of comfort food with this divine Meatball Casserole recipe! This dish is not only a hearty meal but also a fantastic way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table. Picture juicy meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and gooey cheese all baked to perfection — it’s the ultimate fusion of flavors that satisfies cravings and warms the soul.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 pound ground beef (80/20 ratio recommended)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
3 cups marinara sauce or tomato sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
1 tablespoon olive oil
Fresh basil for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta and marinara sauce, mixing well. Add the browned meatballs to the pasta mixture and stir gently to combine.
Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve hot.
