If you’re on the hunt for a hearty and comforting dinner idea, look no further than this Cheesy Meatball Casserole. Packed with juicy, flavorful meatballs, marinara sauce, and a generous layer of gooey cheese, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it with garlic bread, over pasta, or enjoying it as is, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. I discovered this recipe on I Wuv Cooking, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you!
What Makes This Casserole Special?
This casserole combines the best of two worlds: the satisfying bite of homemade meatballs and the cheesy goodness of a baked dish. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or as a make-ahead meal for busy days. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious, oven-baked masterpiece ready to serve in no time.
Cheesy Meatball Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Cooking spray (for greasing)
Directions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated. Shape into 1-inch meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake the Meatballs:
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. - Assemble the Casserole:
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). In a large casserole dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom. Arrange the baked meatballs on top. Cover them with the remaining marinara sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese. - Bake the Casserole:
Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and pair with garlic bread or pasta for a complete meal.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Meatball Casserole:
- Customize the Flavor: Add a dash of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick.
- Make It Ahead: Prepare the meatballs and assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, then bake just before serving.
- Swap the Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Meatball Casserole is more than just a dinner—it’s a warm, comforting hug on a plate. With its creamy, cheesy topping and savory meatballs, it’s a dish everyone will ask for again and again. Plus, it’s easy enough for a casual dinner yet impressive enough for guests.
Let me know in the comments if you try this recipe or have any delicious twists of your own! Don’t forget to check out more tasty recipes on I Wuv Cooking.
Cheesy Meatball Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Any Occasion
Ingredients
- 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly over the bottom
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 egg
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides, then transfer them to a casserole dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, then top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
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