If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. It’s a delightful combination of juicy meatballs baked to perfection, drenched in rich marinara sauce, and layered with gooey melted mozzarella cheese that pulls apart with every bite. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests without the fuss, this recipe balances simplicity with bold flavors, creating a dish that satisfies every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about having the right mix of ingredients that blend perfectly together. Each one plays a crucial role, whether in texture, flavor, or adding that vibrant Italian flair that makes this casserole irresistible.
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef: The juicy, savory base that forms your meatballs and packs in flavor.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Keeps the meatballs tender yet holds them together without falling apart.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the beef.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the perfect binder for your meatball mixture.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a fragrant aroma that makes the dish truly mouthwatering.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings the essence of Italy with herbs like oregano and basil.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: The luscious, tangy blanket that keeps meatballs moist and deliciously saucy.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that ooey-gooey, cheesy layer that makes this meal unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten up the presentation.
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil: For greasing your baking dish to prevent sticking and add a touch of richness.
How to Make Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This temperature ensures your meatballs cook through while the cheese gets perfectly melted and bubbly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a thin coat of olive oil—this prevents sticking and helps with cleanup later.
Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything just until combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can make the meatballs tough instead of tender and juicy.
Step 3: Shape the Meatballs
Form the mixture into evenly sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter each. Uniform size guarantees they cook evenly and look picture-perfect in your casserole dish. Arrange them side by side in your prepared baking dish, but avoid crowding to let heat circulate evenly.
Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce and Bake Covered
Pour the marinara sauce generously over the arranged meatballs, making sure every one of them gets a good coating. Cover the dish tightly with foil to keep moisture locked in, then bake for 25 minutes. This step cooks the meatballs through and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 5: Top with Mozzarella and Finish Baking
After the initial baking, remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs. Pop the dish back into the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted into a bubbly, golden delight and the meatballs are fully cooked.
How to Serve Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top right before serving. It adds a pop of green color and a subtle herbaceous note that balances out the richness of the cheese and meat. A few red pepper flakes can also be added if you want to give it a bit of a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to lighten up the meal. If you want to go classic, serve it alongside your favorite pasta tossed in a drizzle of olive oil or a warm, crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the meatballs on individual plates with a generous drizzle of extra marinara sauce and a small sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley. Alternatively, make it a party dish by scooping the casserole onto small toasted baguette slices as hearty appetizers everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. Your cheesy baked meatball casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for easy second-day meals.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Prepare the casserole up through the baking with the marinara sauce but before adding the mozzarella. Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed, then add the cheese topping and finish cooking.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but the oven method keeps the texture more intact and melty delicious.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and still tastes great in this Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole Recipe. Just make sure you adjust cooking times slightly if needed and keep an eye on moisture levels.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be, yes! To keep it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this casserole?
This recipe is mild by default, perfect for all ages. However, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture to bring some heat if you like things a bit spicy.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can mix and shape the meatballs a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, then assemble and bake when ready. It helps break up the cooking process and makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
What can I serve with this casserole?
It goes great with pasta, a green salad, or some steamed veggies. Crusty bread is another fantastic option, perfect for dipping into that flavorful marinara sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer when you want a satisfying, no-fuss meal that everyone will rave about. It delivers all the comforting flavors of classic Italian cooking with a modern, easy-to-make twist. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, bringing smiles and full bellies around your table.
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Cheesy Baked Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Meatball Casserole is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish featuring tender ground beef meatballs baked in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines classic flavors with simple ingredients to create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Topping
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch diameter meatballs and arrange them evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Sauce and Initial Bake: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, covering them. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil carefully. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. This casserole pairs well with pasta, crusty bread, or a fresh side salad.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Serve alongside pasta, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
