Meatball Casserole

Meatball casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a crowd. Here’s a delicious recipe for a Meatball Casserole that combines savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese over a bed of pasta or rice.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1/2 pound (225 g) ground pork (optional; you can use all beef if preferred)
• 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
• 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups (475 ml) marinara sauce
• 2 cups (200 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne, ziti, or rotini) or 3 cups cooked rice
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork (if using), breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, milk, parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined but avoid overmixing.
• Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet.

1. Bake the Meatballs:

• Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.

1. Prepare the Casserole:

• While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta or rice according to package instructions and drain.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta or rice with 2 cups of marinara sauce, chopped onion, chopped bell pepper (if using), and sliced black olives (if using).

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Spread the pasta or rice mixture evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the pasta or rice.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and pasta/rice.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

1. Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

1. Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired.

Enjoy your Meatball Casserole! It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.