Description
This Meatball Casserole Parmesan is a hearty, comforting dish featuring juicy meatballs, savory marinara sauce, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta all baked to perfection. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the casserole:
- 12 oz (340 g) cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
- 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the meatballs
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the meatballs for 15-18 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
Step 2: Assemble the casserole
- Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Add the cooked pasta, meatballs, and remaining marinara sauce. Toss gently to combine.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Step 3: Bake the casserole
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and serve warm.
Notes
- Make-ahead: Assemble the casserole (without baking) up to 1 day in advance. Cover and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- Customizations: Add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave