Meatball Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make meatball casserole? This Meatball Parmesan Casserole combines tender meatballs made from ground beef and ground pork, baked in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this Italian casserole dish is a crowd-pleaser and simple to prepare. Whether you’re craving cheesy meatballs, baked meatball recipes, or easy casseroles, this recipe checks all the boxes! Serve with a side of garlic bread or spaghetti for a hearty, satisfying meal. This versatile recipe is also great for meal prep or freezing for later. The combination of savory flavors, rich sauce, and melted cheese will make this your new favorite weeknight dinner!

This Meatball Parmesan Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines savory meatballs with rich marinara sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing meal, this dish is packed with flavor and easy to make. The meatballs are made with a combination of ground beef and pork, flavored with garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese. After browning, they’re baked in a delicious tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Meatballs:
  • 3 slices white bread, crusts removed and diced
  • 1/2 cup cold milk or water (add more if needed)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
  • 1 lb ground pork (80/20)
  • 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • Oil for frying (extra light olive oil works great)
• For the Casserole:
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatball Mixture:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with the rack in the center.
   • In a large bowl, add diced bread and pour the cold milk or water over it. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then mash with a fork until it forms a soggy mixture.
   • Add the ground beef, ground pork, half of the grated parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined—do not overmix.
   • If the mixture feels too dry, add a little more milk to reach a moist consistency.
2. Form and Brown the Meatballs:
   • Shape the meat mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter (2 tbsp each). You can use a trigger-release scoop for even portions.
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add meatballs in batches and cook for about 8 minutes, turning every 2 minutes to get a nice sear on all sides. The meatballs should be browned, but not fully cooked through.
3. Assemble the Casserole:
   • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
   • Arrange the browned meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and sprinkle with the remaining parmesan cheese.
   • Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked (165°F internal temperature) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Tips:

• If you prefer a crispier crust on your meatballs, you can broil them for 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking process.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Ground meat: You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or veal in place of beef and pork for a leaner version.
• Cheese options: Swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of heat.

FAQs:

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, prepare the meatballs and casserole and refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this hearty casserole with garlic bread, spaghetti, or a simple green salad to make a complete meal.
• For a low-carb option, serve with roasted vegetables or zucchini noodles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• This Meatball Parmesan Casserole is packed with flavor, offering a combination of savory meatballs, tangy marinara sauce, and melty cheese.
• It’s easy to make, and the whole family will love it. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or when you’re craving a comforting Italian classic.