If you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of meatballs with the comforting richness of baked cheese and marinara sauce, this Baked Meatball Casserole is the perfect recipe. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a dinner party, or preparing meals for the week, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and offers the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and cheesy indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and everyday ingredients.
Comfort Food: The warm, cheesy layers make this dish a favorite for cozy dinners.
Customizable: Use store-bought or homemade meatballs, switch up the cheese, or add your favorite vegetables.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or reheating later.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
1 pound (500g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole
3 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
Shape the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
Cook the Meatballs:
Pan-Fried Option: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the meatballs until browned on all sides (about 8–10 minutes).
Baking Option: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15–20 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Casserole
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Assemble the Layers:
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the dish.
Arrange the cooked meatballs on top of the sauce.
Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top. For extra cheesiness, add more mozzarella or even a layer of ricotta cheese.
Step 3: Bake the Casserole
Bake Until Bubbly: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
Optional Broiling: For a crispy cheese topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Over Pasta: Serve the casserole with spaghetti or penne for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
With Crusty Bread: Pair with garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the rich marinara sauce.
As a Standalone Dish: Enjoy the casserole on its own for a low-carb, high-protein option.
With a Salad: Add a side of Caesar salad or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish.
Tips for the Best Baked Meatball Casserole
Use Homemade Meatballs: While store-bought meatballs save time, homemade ones bring more flavor and freshness.
Layer for Flavor: Adding a thin layer of sauce under the meatballs prevents them from sticking and keeps the dish moist.
Experiment with Cheese: Try a blend of mozzarella, provolone, or fontina for a more complex cheesy flavor.
Add Vegetables: Include sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and texture.
Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well—just bake it, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or bake the entire casserole at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in portions or as a whole. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Baked Meatball Casserole is the perfect combination of hearty, cheesy, and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special occasion, it’s a guaranteed hit that everyone will love. The tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese create a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.
