If you’re craving a comforting dish that combines hearty meatballs with a luscious blanket of cheese and rich marinara, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the best of Italian flavors together in one easy-to-make casserole, perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with minimal fuss. The blend of ground beef and fragrant herbs, seared to perfection before baking with gooey mozzarella, creates a meal that feels both homey and special every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple but essential ingredients is the first step to creating this satisfying Meatball Casserole Recipe. Each item plays a crucial role, from the tender, juicy meatballs to the bright notes of fresh herbs and creamy cheese that give the dish its signature flavor and texture.
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork): The star protein providing juicy, flavorful meatballs with the perfect bite.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs while adding tenderness without heaviness.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a natural binder to keep the meatballs together during cooking.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami depth that elevates the meatballs’ flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the meatballs with warm, aromatic undertones.
- 1/2 small onion, finely minced: Provides subtle sweetness and moisture for balanced taste.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings classic Italian character.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Offers freshness and a pop of green color inside the meatballs.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, making every bite sing.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: Rich and tangy, it bathes the meatballs in delicious tomato goodness.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top, creating that irresistible golden blanket.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish): Brightens the finished dish with fragrant herbal notes.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing): Ensures a perfect brown crust on the meatballs before baking.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the ground beef or beef-pork mix with the breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, Italian seasoning, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Gently mix these ingredients until just combined to keep the meatballs tender instead of dense, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 2: Shape the Meatballs
Roll the mixture into meatballs about 1.5 inches in diameter. This size cooks perfectly through while staying juicy, and they’ll fit just right in your casserole dish. Don’t worry too much about making them perfectly uniform—homemade charm counts here.
Step 3: Sear the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and carefully brown the meatballs on all sides. This step seals in their juices and gives them a gorgeous caramelized crust. They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; just a nice golden color is perfect to build layers of flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a sizable baking dish, spread one cup of the marinara sauce evenly on the bottom to prevent sticking and create a flavorful base. Place the browned meatballs neatly in the dish, and then pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, making sure every meatball is lovingly coated.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the saucy meatballs. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and bake for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted, bubbly, and golden, inviting you to dive right in.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top for a touch of vibrant color and fresh herbaceous aroma. Your Meatball Casserole Recipe is now ready to be savored!
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish. Fresh chopped basil or parsley on top adds a lovely fragrance and a visual pop that makes the dish feel even more inviting. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add an exciting touch if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce. For a lighter option, a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables provides a nice balance to the hearty meatballs and melty cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Meatball Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a fancy, portion-controlled twist perfect for entertaining. You can also layer it over cooked pasta or creamy polenta to turn it into a complete, comforting one-dish meal that everyone will remember.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Meatball Casserole Recipe, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and texture. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the leftovers just as delightful.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to make reheating easier and more even.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes, to preserve the texture of the meatballs and maintain that lovely melted cheese top. Alternatively, a microwave works well for quick reheats but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef for this Meatball Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind they might need a bit more seasoning or moisture like a splash of milk or extra egg to keep the meatballs juicy.
Is it necessary to brown the meatballs before baking?
Browning the meatballs before baking adds a wonderful depth of flavor and an appetizing crust. While you can skip this step, the overall taste and texture won’t be quite as rich or satisfying.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh parsley or basil?
Dried herbs will work in a pinch, although fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor and appearance. You could also try fresh oregano or thyme for a slightly different herbaceous note.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Since the rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, this swap makes it safe and delicious for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Casserole Recipe is a wonderful fusion of comfort, flavor, and simplicity that I hope you’ll make again and again. It’s one of those dishes that welcomes everyone to the table and makes any meal feel extra special without complicated steps. Once you try it, you’ll see why it has become such a cherished favorite in my kitchen, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.
Print
Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A hearty and comforting Meatball Casserole featuring tender homemade meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This classic Italian-inspired dish combines beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meatball Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, eggs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, minced onion, Italian seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the meatballs.
- Form Meatballs: Roll the mixture into uniform 1.5-inch meatballs to ensure even cooking.
- Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until browned but not cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Preheat Oven: While searing the meatballs, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
- Layer in Baking Dish: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly at the bottom of a large baking dish. Place the browned meatballs over the sauce, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the meatballs.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the sauced meatballs to create a cheesy topping.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to allow meatballs to cook through and flavors to meld.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot for a delicious and comforting meal.
Notes
- For extra juicy meatballs, do not overmix the mixture.
- You can substitute ground beef entirely with ground pork or turkey for different flavors.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- If you prefer spicy, add red pepper flakes to the mixture or sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freeze well for up to 2 months.
