Cheesy Baked Meatballs Casserole

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Cheesy Baked Meatballs Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines hearty meatballs with a gooey, cheesy topping and a savory tomato sauce. The meatballs are baked to perfection, then smothered with melted cheese, making each bite a rich and satisfying experience. It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent while still being easy to prepare, perfect for a cozy dinner or to serve to a crowd.

The first time I made Cheesy Baked Meatballs Casserole, I was delighted by how quickly it came together and how flavorful it turned out. The meatballs were tender and packed with flavor, while the melted cheese on top added that irresistible, gooey finish. What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is—you can mix up the type of cheese, add some herbs or vegetables to the sauce, or serve it over pasta, rice, or even zoodles for a low-carb twist. It’s a family favorite that’s both comforting and satisfying, with a touch of cheesy indulgence!

Perfect for:

  • Family dinners
  • Potlucks
  • Weeknight meals
  • Comfort food lovers
  • Cheese and meatball enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole will become a favorite in your kitchen:

  • Classic Comfort Food: This casserole combines all the best elements of Italian-inspired comfort food: juicy meatballs, tangy marinara, and gooey cheese.
  • Cheesy Goodness: A generous layer of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese ensures every bite is rich and delicious.
  • Savory Meatballs: The meatballs are perfectly seasoned, tender, and packed with flavor.
  • One-Pan Meal: Everything bakes together in one dish, making it simple and easy to prepare and clean up.
  • Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta, with garlic bread, or on its own for a satisfying meal.
  • Make-Ahead Meal: This casserole can be assembled in advance and baked just before serving, perfect for busy days.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for a family dinner or a gathering, everyone will love digging into this cheesy, savory dish.
  • Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will enjoy the familiar flavors of meatballs and cheese.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the meatball seasoning or switch up the cheese to suit your preferences.
  • Comforting and Filling: This dish is hearty and satisfying, perfect for colder months or when you need a bit of comfort.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Servings: 6-8 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 28g, Carbs: 24g, Fat: 28g

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground meat
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 cup milk

The Sauce:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ground Beef and Meat: Combining beef and meat creates a juicy, flavorful meatball.
  • Breadcrumbs: Provide the perfect texture for tender meatballs.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth of flavor to the meatballs and casserole.
  • Marinara Sauce: Rich, tangy, and flavorful, it complements the meatballs beautifully.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy top.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, aromatic garnish to complete the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and milk. Mix until just combined.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the meatballs are browned and cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Cook Garlic: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Add Marinara and Seasoning: Stir in marinara sauce, red pepper flakes (if using), oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat.

Assemble the Casserole:

  1. Layer the Meatballs: In a large casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Arrange the cooked meatballs on top.
  2. Add More Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are evenly coated.
  3. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
  4. Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Serve:

  1. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple salad.

How to Serve

Here are 9 serving suggestions for Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole:

  • With Pasta: Serve the casserole over spaghetti or your favorite pasta for a classic Italian meal.
  • With Garlic Bread: Pair with crispy, buttery garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience.
  • As a Standalone Dish: Serve on its own with a side of vegetables for a low-carb meal.
  • With a Salad: A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
  • For Meal Prep: Portion out individual servings for easy lunches throughout the week.
  • As a Family Dinner: Perfect for a weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli make a great side dish.
  • For Potlucks: This casserole is a hit at gatherings and potlucks.
  • As Leftovers: Enjoy the casserole as leftovers— it tastes even better the next day!

Additional Tips

  • Make Meatballs Ahead: You can make and bake the meatballs in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Frozen Meatballs: If you’re short on time, you can use frozen meatballs and add them directly to the sauce before baking.
  • Cheese Substitutes: Try adding provolone, gouda, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a unique twist.
  • Keep Meatballs Moist: Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Casserole Variations: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or olives to the sauce for extra flavor.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Meatball Casserole: Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy sausage in the meatballs.
  • Vegetarian Meatballs: Swap the meatballs for vegetarian or plant-based meatballs for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats in the meatball mixture.
  • Italian Sausage Meatballs: Replace some of the ground beef with Italian meat sausage for added flavor.
  • Lasagna-Style Casserole: Add a layer of ricotta cheese between the meatballs and sauce for a lasagna-inspired dish.
  • Zucchini Noodles: Serve the casserole over zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
  • Add Veggies: Include sautéed spinach or roasted eggplant in the sauce for a vegetable-packed casserole.
  • Cheddar-Topped: Add a layer of sharp cheddar cheese on top for a different cheesy flavor.
  • BBQ Meatball Casserole: Use BBQ sauce in place of marinara for a smoky twist.

Special Equipment

  • Casserole Dish: A 9×13-inch casserole dish works best for this recipe.
  • Baking Sheet: For baking the meatballs before adding them to the casserole.
  • Skillet: For cooking the sauce and garlic.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure the correct amount of ingredients.
  • Mixing Bowls: To combine the meatball mixture and sauce.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use frozen meatballs?
    Yes, frozen meatballs can be used. Just bake them as directed, then proceed with the recipe.
  2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It can be stored for up to 1 day in advance.
  3. How long can I store leftovers?
    Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  4. Can I freeze the casserole?
    Yes, freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw it in the fridge overnight, then bake as directed.
  5. Can I use a different type of cheese?
    Absolutely! Feel free to swap out mozzarella for your favorite melting cheese, such as provolone or gouda.
  6. How do I make sure the meatballs don’t dry out?
    Avoid overmixing the meatball mixture, and make sure to bake them until they’re just cooked through.
  7. Can I use a slow cooker?
    Yes, cook the meatballs in a skillet, then combine them with the sauce in the slow cooker. Set it on low for 2-3 hours.
  8. How can I make the casserole spicier?
    Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy meat sausage in the meatballs.
  9. How do I prevent the cheese from overbaking?
    Cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes of baking, then uncover to let the cheese melt and brown.
  10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can double the recipe and use a larger casserole dish to serve a crowd.

Conclusion

Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole is a simple yet indulgent meal that combines savory meatballs, flavorful marinara sauce, and rich, melted cheese. Whether for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone. It’s easy to prepare, satisfying, and full of comforting flavors that will keep you coming back for more. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this cheesy, hearty casserole—it’s the ultimate comfort food!