Indulge in the savory goodness of Meatball Parmesan Casserole, featuring tender meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jar of marinara sauce (about 24 ounces)
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Form small meatballs out of the mixture, making about 16 to 20 meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove them from the pan. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Arrange Meatballs: Place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce in the dish.
- Add Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce.
- Sprinkle Parmesan: Top with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Garnish (Optional): Before serving, garnish with fresh basil for a touch of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy your Meatball Parmesan Casserole straight out of the oven for the best melted cheese experience!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Notes:
- You can use homemade or store-bought marinara sauce for convenience.
- Feel free to add additional seasonings or herbs to the meatball mixture for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Cook Techniques:
- Browning the meatballs before baking adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Layering the meatballs with sauce and cheese ensures every bite is deliciously cheesy and saucy.
