Meatball Casserole Dinner: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Nights

Meatball Casserole Dinner is a delightful dish that brings comfort and warmth to any table. As I prepare this recipe, I can’t help but think of the countless family gatherings where this hearty meal has been the star of the show. Originating from various culinary traditions, meatball casseroles have become a beloved staple in many households, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures that appeal to both young and old alike.

What I love most about Meatball Casserole Dinner is its incredible versatility. The juicy meatballs, combined with a rich sauce and gooey cheese, create a symphony of taste that is simply irresistible. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also convenient—perfect for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will rave about. Join me as we dive into this comforting recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked pasta (penne or rotini works well)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Meatballs

Let’s start by making the meatballs, which are the star of this casserole. They’re juicy, flavorful, and will soak up all the deliciousness of the marinara sauce.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. I like to use a mix of meats for added flavor and texture.
2. Add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to the bowl. This combination of ingredients will give the meatballs a wonderful flavor.
3. Using your hands, mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
4. Once mixed, form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get around 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you choose.

Cooking the Meatballs

Now that we have our meatballs ready, it’s time to cook them. You can either bake or pan-fry them, but I prefer baking for a healthier option and less mess.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
3. Place the meatballs on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced out evenly.
4. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. You can check for doneness by cutting one in half; it should be no longer pink in the center.

Preparing the Casserole

While the meatballs are baking, let’s prepare the rest of the casserole. This part is super easy and comes together quickly!

1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the cooked pasta and pour in the marinara sauce. Stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Once the meatballs are done baking, remove them from the oven and add them to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Gently stir to coat the meatballs in the sauce.
3. Now, it’s time to assemble the casserole. In a large baking dish, spread half of the pasta and meatball mixture evenly across the bottom.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the pasta layer.
5. Top with the remaining pasta and meatball mixture, then finish with the rest of the mozzarella cheese on top. This will create a delicious cheesy crust when baked.

Baking the Casserole

Now that our casserole is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection!

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from burning.
2. Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
3. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.

Serving the Casserole

Conclusion:

In wrapping up this delightful Meatball Casserole Dinner recipe, I can’t stress enough how it’s a must-try for anyone looking to bring comfort food to the dinner table. The combination of juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this casserole with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, or even swapping out the meatballs for a vegetarian alternative. The possibilities are endless! I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Meatball Casserole Dinner a try. I’d love to hear about your experience, so don’t forget to share your thoughts and any tweaks you made to the recipe. Cooking is all about creativity and making it your own, and I can’t wait to see how you put your spin on this comforting dish. Happy cooking! Print