Cheesy Meatballs Casserole: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Family Dinners

Cheesy Meatballs Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and joy to any dining table. As I prepared this recipe, I couldn’t help but reminisce about family gatherings where this cheesy delight was the star of the show. Originating from the heart of home-cooked meals, casseroles have long been a staple in many cultures, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. The combination of tender meatballs, gooey cheese, and a medley of flavors creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also incredibly convenient for busy weeknights.

People love Cheesy Meatballs Casserole for its rich taste and delightful texture. The savory meatballs, enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, create a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist. Plus, it’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella 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
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meatballs

Let’s start by making the meatballs, which are the star of this cheesy casserole. Follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until well combined. I find that using my hands gives the best texture, but you can also use a spoon if you prefer.
2. Once the mixture is well combined, shape it into meatballs about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you make them. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatballs ready, it’s time to cook them. Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the meatballs cook evenly and get a nice golden color.
2. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet with the meatballs in the oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and have a nice brown color on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should no longer be pink in the center.
3. While the meatballs are baking, you can prepare the marinara sauce. If you’re using store-bought sauce, simply heat it in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. If you’re making your own sauce, now is a great time to do that!

Assembling the Casserole

With the meatballs cooked and the sauce ready, it’s time to assemble our casserole:

1. In a large baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This will help prevent the meatballs from sticking and add flavor.
2. Next, carefully place the cooked meatballs on top of the sauce in a single layer. Make sure they are evenly spaced out.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered. This will keep them moist and flavorful during baking.
4. Now, sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the top of the sauce and meatballs. I love a cheesy topping, so feel free to add more if you’re a cheese lover like me!

Baking the Casserole

Now that everything is assembled, let’s bake our casserole:

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the cheese melt evenly and prevent it from browning too quickly.
2. Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, carefully remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
4. Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set a bit and make it easier to serve.

Serving the Casserole

Now comes the best part—serving and enjoying your cheesy meatballs casserole!

1. Using a spatula, carefully scoop out portions of the casserole and place them on plates. I like to serve

Conclusion:

In summary, this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinner game. The combination of savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce creates a dish that is not only comforting but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this casserole is sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you want to mix things up, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese—mozzarella, cheddar, or even a spicy pepper jack can add a unique twist. You could also swap out the meatballs for turkey or plant-based alternatives to cater to different dietary preferences. I encourage you to give this Cheesy Meatballs Casserole a try and make it your own! Once you’ve whipped it up, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your creation. Let’s spread the love for this delightful dish together! Happy cooking!

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