Meatball Casserole Parmesan: A Hearty and Comforting Italian-Inspired Dish

Meatball Casserole Parmesan is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish, combining juicy meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese for a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This casserole brings together the hearty flavors of a meatball sub and the cheesy goodness of chicken parmesan, all baked into a one-dish wonder. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a cozy dinner for the family, this recipe is a sure way to bring everyone to the table.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility and ease. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner or can be made ahead for meal prep. The tender meatballs, infused with herbs and spices, are nestled in a savory marinara sauce and topped with a generous amount of melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s simple to make and sure to please everyone with its hearty flavors. For a similar meal with a twist, try Chicken Parmesan Casserole or Spaghetti and Meatballs.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Meatball Casserole Parmesan Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Meatball Casserole Parmesan is a comforting, cheesy dish that combines homemade or store-bought meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, all baked together into a delicious casserole. This casserole takes the classic flavors of meatball parmesan and turns it into a hearty, easy-to-make meal perfect for a family dinner or a gathering. It’s a flavorful, filling dish that’s sure to please anyone craving Italian comfort food.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for frying)

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)

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Instructions

Make the Meatballs:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined (be careful not to overwork the meat mixture).
• Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter (you should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on size).
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the casserole. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole:

• In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce to coat the bottom.
• Place the browned meatballs in a single layer on top of the sauce.
• Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they’re well covered.
• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.

Bake the Casserole:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
• After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

Serve:

• Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil and red pepper flakes (if using) for an extra touch of flavor.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread, pasta, or a simple green salad.

Notes

• Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 1 day before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
• Use frozen meatballs: To save time, you can use store-bought frozen meatballs instead of making your own. Just bake them according to the package instructions, then assemble the casserole as directed.
• Add veggies: Feel free to add vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and texture.
• For a lighter version: Use lean ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs, and opt for part-skim mozzarella cheese.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (for meatballs) + 5 minutes (for assembly)
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Main Dish / Comfort Food
• Method: Baking / Stovetop (for meatballs)
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of the casserole)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Meatball Casserole Parmesan Recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meatballs:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   • In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, parsley, egg, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until just combined—avoid overmixing.
   • Roll the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point, as they’ll finish cooking in the casserole. Set the meatballs aside.
2. Assemble the Casserole:
   • In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Layer the cooked meatballs on top of the sauce.
   • Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully covered.
   • Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
3. Bake the Casserole:
   • Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the meatballs are fully cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
4. Serve:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.
   • Serve the Meatball Casserole Parmesan with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Advanced Techniques

1. Make Your Own Marinara Sauce

For an extra layer of flavor, try making your own marinara sauce instead of using store-bought. In a large saucepan, sauté garlic and onions in olive oil, add crushed tomatoes, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and basil, and simmer for 30 minutes. Homemade marinara sauce will give the casserole a fresh, vibrant taste.

2. Use Freshly Grated Cheese

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated mozzarella and parmesan have a much creamier and more flavorful melt. Take the extra time to grate the cheese yourself for the best results.

3. Add Veggies to the Sauce

For added nutrition, sneak in some veggies. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to the marinara sauce. These veggies will not only add flavor but also boost the dish’s fiber content.

4. Make It Spicy

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce or the meatball mixture for an extra spicy kick.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Meatball Casserole Parmesan stores well and can be reheated without losing much of its flavor or texture. Here are some tips for storing and reheating:

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure the casserole is completely cooled before refrigerating.
• Freezing: This dish freezes very well! Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel to prevent the cheese from drying out.
• Oven: To reheat the entire casserole, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

1. Low-Carb/Keto

To make this casserole keto-friendly, simply skip the breadcrumbs in the meatballs and use a low-carb alternative, such as almond flour or crushed pork rinds. You can also replace the marinara sauce with a homemade sugar-free version.

2. Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version of this dish, use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs. Many grocery stores offer gluten-free breadcrumbs, or you can make your own by grinding gluten-free bread or crackers.

3. Vegetarian

To make this a vegetarian dish, substitute the meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, tofu, or any store-bought vegetarian alternatives. You can also try making your own meatballs using chickpeas or quinoa as a base.

4. Dairy-Free

To make Meatball Casserole Parmesan dairy-free, replace the cheese with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Ensure that the marinara sauce you use is dairy-free as well.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought meatballs. Just bake them according to the package instructions before adding them to the casserole. However, homemade meatballs will give the dish a richer flavor.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a spicy kick, you can incorporate crushed red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce, sprinkle chili powder on the meatballs, or use spicy buffalo sauce instead of marinara for a unique twist.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. You can also use ground pork for a slightly richer flavor.

What should I serve with Meatball Casserole Parmesan?

This casserole pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it over spaghetti or zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a low-carb twist.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Meatball Casserole Parmesan is a comforting, hearty dish that brings together the best elements of Italian cooking in one easy-to-make casserole. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a gathering, or simply for leftovers, this dish is sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings. The juicy, flavorful meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese create a winning combination that’s hard to beat.

With its simplicity and adaptability, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious Italian meal with minimal effort. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs and serve with your favorite sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.