Okay, let’s talk comfort food. Real, honest-to-goodness, makes-you-feel-warm-inside comfort If lasagna and meatball subs had a baby, it would be this:What is meatball Casserole Recipe?What’s not to like about lasagna? Honestly, this is one of those recipes that just *disappears* at my house. I feel guilty sharing it, but it’s too good not to share it! I think it’s even easier than making spaghetti and meatballs from scratch – and it makes a lot less mess. Is it less messy?
What is meatball casserole?
What is a layered symphony of deliciousness? It’s essentially a baked dish with juicy meatballs nestled in tomato sauce, layered with roasted peppers and topped with mozzarella. I like melted cheese and sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, creamy ricotta. What is the beauty of this world?What is the best meatball casserole recipeWhat is simplicity? How do you throw together pantry staples in a way that creates an surprisingly elegant look? What is the most satisfying meal you have What is it like to take all the best parts of your favorite Italian restaurant and bake them into one? What is a dish that everyone will devour? Plus, clean-up is a breeze! And trust me, on an busy weeknight, that’s worth its weight in gold.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? The meatballs are tender and bursting with Italian herbs, the sauce is tangy and rich, and the gravy is spicy and peppery. What is cheese? It’s melty and bubbly, and adds the perfect creamy counterpoint to the savory meatballs. What is the best thing about this product?What is the best meatball Casserole Recipe is how ridiculously easy it is to make. Seriously, you can throw this together in about 15 minutes, pop it in the oven, and then go relax while it bakes. It’s also incredibly cost-efficient. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you can even use frozen meatballs to save even more time.
What are some of the best family recipes to make? What are the best veggies to add to your diet? How do I make gluten free breadcrumbs? Is this a crowd pleaser? I’ve brought this casserole to potlucks and family gatherings, and even served it as a main course for dinner. What are some of the best dinner parties? Is it like my Grandma’s famous Baked Ziti, but without the fuss of boiling pasta? What is that one recipe that makes everyone happy? What is comfort food?
How do you make a meatball casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this What is meatball Casserole Recipe?How do you put ingredients in a baking dish and pop it in the oven? What’s your favorite way to start a meatballs recipe? What is a generous amount of cheese? Repeat layers until you’ve used up all the ingredients, and then bake until bubbly and golden brown. Is it that easy? Can I bake this casserole ahead of time? What is the best way to spend
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
* 2 (24-ounce) jars of your favorite marinara sauce. I prefer a classic tomato basil sauce, but feel free to use whatever you like. Sometimes, I’ll even add a little bit of tomato paste for extra richness.
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Don’t skimp on the oregano! It really adds that classic Italian flavor.
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Garlic powder is a lifesaver when you don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). If you like a little bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
For the Meatballs: What
* 2 pounds frozen cooked meatballs. You can use beef, turkey, or even vegetarian. I usually buy the Italian-style meatballs for extra flavor. * Or homemade meatballs following your favourite recipe. My Nonna always said that fresh meatballs add the right texture to a dish. I like to cook them all the time.
For the cheese:
* 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese. Use the low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella for the best melting results.
* 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, but the pre-grated stuff works just fine in a pinch.
* 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese (optional). If you want to add an extra layer of creaminess, mix the ricotta cheese with an egg, some Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
How do I get step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make it easier to clean up later. What is the best way to skip this step?
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Set aside. Stir well to combine. What is the base layer of flavor? Make sure everything is nicely mixed together.
Step 3: Layer It Up!
Spread about 1 cup of sauce mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. How do I keep meatballs from sticking to the bottom of the pan? What is the best way to serve meatballs in a single layer over the sauce? If you want to spread out meatballs evenly, cut them in half.
Step 4: Add Cheese
Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. If you’re using mozzarella cheese, dollop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the cheese. What are pockets of creamy goodness in a casserole?
Step 5: Repeat Layers
Repeat the layers with the remaining sauce, meatballs, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Make sure to finish with a generous layer of cheese on top. How do you create a golden brown crust?
Step 6: Bake
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. What is the best way to remove the foil from the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. When the casserole is heated through, it will be bubbly. How do you keep an eye on the cheese towards the end to make sure it doesn’t burn.
Step 7: Rest
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing. How do you set up cheese? Plus, it will give you a chance to gather everyone around the table!
Step 8: Serve
If you like, slice the casserole into squares and serve warm. Garnish with fresh basil. What is the easiest meatball casserole you’ve ever made?
What should I serve it with?
This What is meatball casserole recipe?Is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with various sides. I like to serve this with a side salad and Garlic Bread. I usually serve it on Mondays. If I am feeling fancy, I’ll make a Caesar salad with homemade croutons. What are some good pairings with a glass of chianti wine?
For a Potluck:What is a good pasta salad?
For a dinner party: Serve it with roasted vegetables, like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The roasted vegetables add a touch of elegance and balance out the richness of the casserole.
For a Cozy Night In:What would you do if you sat down on the couch with a blanket and meatball casserole? Is it a comfort food?
How do I make a perfect meatball casserole?
I want to take my own life. Is itWhat is meatball casserole recipe?How can I take my business to the next level?
Use High-Quality Ingredients:The better the ingredients, the better it will taste. Use a good quality marinara sauce, fresh mozzarella cheese, and flavorful meatballs. What makes a difference?
Don’t overcook meatballs. Do Since the meatballs are already cooked, you don’t want to overcook them in the casserole. Just heat them through until they’re warm.
Add Some Veggies: Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding chopped vegetables to the casserole. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms all work well. Just saute them before adding them to the casserole so they’re not crunchy.
Customize the Cheese: Get creative with the cheese! Try using a blend of mozzarella, provolone, and fontina cheese for a more complex flavor. Or, add a sprinkle of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess. I also like to add a little bit of Pecorino Romano for sharpness.
Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish the casserole with fresh basil, parsley, or oregano for a pop of flavor and color. It really elevates the dish and makes it look extra special. I’ve even used thyme when I was out of basil and it added a woodsy flavor
Make It Ahead of Time: This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Simply assemble it, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This meatball casserole recipe is great for leftovers! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Room Temperature: Don’t leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s important to refrigerate it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s properly sealed to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it – my go-to meatball casserole recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. It’s easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. And honestly, what more could you ask for in a recipe? This is one of my favorite comfort food recipes, and I know it will become one of your favorites too. It’s simple, versatile, and incredibly satisfying. If you love this, you should also check out my baked ziti recipe – it’s another family favorite! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
Meatball Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef
- 0.5 lb Ground pork
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 egg Egg
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 28 oz Canned crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz Can of tomato sauce
- 2 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, egg, and garlic powder. Gently mix until just combined.
- Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce.
- Add meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through and sauce is bubbly.
- Top with mozzarella cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until cheese is melted and golden brown.
