Cheesy Comfort Food: Meatball and Mozzarella Casserole

Looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that’s both simple and satisfying? Look no further! This Meatball and Mozzarella Casserole is perfect for busy parents and home cooks who want to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Read on to discover how to make this delightful dish, from prepping the meatballs to serving up the final product.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (substitute or mix with ground pork or turkey)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (substitute with dried parsley if needed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)
• Olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate as you go. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil.
2. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them occasionally to ensure all sides are browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
3. Transfer the browned meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

1. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a light layer of olive oil.
2. Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.
4. Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the meatballs.
5. Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the cheese-covered meatballs.
6. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
3. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
4. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 5: Serve and Store Leftovers

1. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
2. Serve hot, paired with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
3. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Conclusion

And there you have it! A delicious Meatball and Mozzarella Casserole that’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. We hope you enjoy making and eating this dish as much as we do.

If you try this recipe, we'd love to hear from you! Share your feedback and personal touches in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media. Happy cooking!