Looking for the right technique to make Cheesy Meatball Casserole? This step-by-step information will aid you in creating a wealthy, tasty, and hearty dish that’s excellent for family dinners! Combining juicy beef and pork meatballs with flavorful marinara sauce and a great deal of melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s straightforward to arrange, requires easy components, and bakes to golden perfection in beneath an hour. Whether you are cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Cheesy Meatball Casserole will quickly turn out to be a family favourite. Let's get started!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meatball Casserole
- 🧀 Extra Cheesy: Loaded with mozzarella and parmesan for the last word gooey texture.
- 🍽️ Easy to Make: Simple steps with minimal prep time.
- 💡 Customizable: Swap components for dietary preferences.
- 🏡 Family Favorite: A hearty, comforting dish everybody will love!
Recipe Card (Structured Data)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: half-hour
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450 per serving
Star Rating: ★★★★★ (Leave a review!) ⭐
Ingredients
Here’s what you might want to make this mouthwatering casserole:
🥩 Meatballs:
- 🥩 1 lb floor beef
- 🐖 1 lb floor pork
- 🧄 2 tsp garlic powder
- 🧅 2 tsp onion powder
- 🌿 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 🥚 1 massive egg
- 🧂 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp black pepper
- 🧀 ½ cup mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 ½ cup parmesan cheese
🍅 Casserole Base:
- 🍅 2 cups marinara sauce (Classico 4 Cheese or your favourite model)
- 🧀 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 🧀 ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 🌿 Fresh parsley (non-obligatory, for garnish)
🛍 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Keto-Friendly? Swap marinara sauce with a low-carb model.
- Dairy-Free? Use vegan cheese, alternate options.
- Gluten-Free? Ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a big mixing bowl, ground beef, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, black pepper, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Mix the whole lot effectively utilizing your palms, however watch out to not overmix—this retains the meatballs tender!
Use an ice cream scoop to portion the meat evenly (about 12-14 meatballs).
Wet your palms with water to make rolling simpler, then form the meatballs.
2️⃣ Bake the Meatballs
Place the rolled meatballs in a greased casserole dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or till the inner temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the oven and drain the surplus grease.
3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs (add extra if wanted).
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the top.
4️⃣ Melt & Serve
Place the dish again into the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes till the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
🔥 Pro Tip: For an additional crispy high, activate the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of baking.
Pro Tips & Variations
Want it Spicier? Add crushed purple pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
More Flavor? Try including sautéed onions and fresh garlic in the meatball combination.
Different Cooking Methods:
Air Fryer: Cook meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 12-Quarter-hour.
Slow Cooker: Cook meatballs in marinara sauce on low for 4-5 hours.
Try our Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe for an additional casserole delight! 💡
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
🏠 Fridge: Store in an hermetic container for as much as 4 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze for as much as 3 months.
Best Reheating Methods:
🔥 Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for Quarter-hour.
🔥 Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals till heat.
🔥 Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
🔗 For More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love! Visit 50 Best Casserole Recipes & Ideas - Food Network
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can put together and assemble the casserole prematurely, then refrigerate for as much as 24 hours before baking.
Q: What’s one of the best meat substitutes for a more healthy model?
A: You can use floor turkey or hen as a substitute of beef and pork for a leaner possibility.
Q: Can I exploit homemade marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely! A recent, homemade marinara will make this dish even higher.
