🥘 Baked Meatball Casserole
Serves 4–6
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
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1 lb ground beef (or mix beef + pork)
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½ cup breadcrumbs
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 large egg
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Casserole:
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2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
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8 oz cooked pasta (optional: penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti broken into pieces)
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1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
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¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the meatballs
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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In a large bowl, combine all meatball ingredients.
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Shape into 1–1½ inch meatballs and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake 12–15 minutes, until browned and almost cooked through.
2. Assemble the casserole
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Lower oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
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In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce.
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Arrange meatballs on top.
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If using pasta, mix it with remaining sauce and layer over or under meatballs.
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Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
3. Bake
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Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Serve
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
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Serve hot with garlic bread or a simple side salad.
💡 Tips for Extra Flavor
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Brown meatballs in a skillet first for deeper flavor.
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Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
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Mix Italian herbs or a bit of onion powder into the sauce for extra richness.
I can also give a “cheesy, layered, lasagna-style baked meatball casserole” version that’s even more indulgent if you want it to be extra hearty. Do you want me to do that?
