Cheesy Meatballs Casserole

The Cheesy Meatball Delight Casserole is a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food. With each bite, you experience the savory explosion of perfectly cooked meatballs immersed in a rich marinara sauce, topped generously with an array of creamy cheeses. This casserole is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings families together around the dinner table, making it ideal for both weekday dinners and special gatherings.

Discover the ultimate comfort food with the Cheesy Meatball Delight Casserole. This mouthwatering dish combines savory meatballs and rich marinara sauce, all topped with layers of gooey cheeses like mozzarella and ricotta. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is easy to follow, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels. With nutritional benefits and opportunities for customization, it will be sure to please everyone at your table. Enjoy the deliciousness that brings everyone together!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably seasoned)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or jarred)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are cooked through and browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, spread half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer the baked meatballs over the sauce. Spoon dollops of ricotta cheese evenly over the meatballs. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the top, followed by an even layer of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve: Once cooked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve hot.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 50 minutes | 6 servings