Description
This cheesy meatball casserole is the ultimate comfort food for meat and cheese lovers! Juicy baked meatballs are smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s a noodle-free casserole perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Use homemade or frozen meatballs, and prep it ahead of time for added convenience. Ready in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Meatballs:
- 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef (90-93% lean)
- 1 small yellow or white onion, finely diced
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or seasoned breadcrumbs)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2–1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray. - Make Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, gently mix all meatball ingredients. Avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender.
- Use a medium (1–2 tablespoon) cookie scoop to form about 32 meatballs.
- Arrange meatballs on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Spray a 2.5–3-quart casserole dish (or 9×13-inch pan) with cooking spray. Add the cooked meatballs.
- Drizzle marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
- Bake Casserole:
- Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve:
Serve warm with your favorite sides or enjoy on its own.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole with cooked meatballs and marinara sauce, then refrigerate for up to 48 hours before baking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 135mg