Quick Italian Meatball Casserole Recipe

Italian cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and heartwarming dishes that bring people together. Among the numerous Italian classics, one of the most beloved and versatile is the meatball. Whether served in a sandwich, in pasta, or as part of a casserole, Italian meatballs are a comforting and delicious choice.

The Italian Meatball Casserole takes this beloved dish to new heights by combining savory meatballs, melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce in one hearty, easy-to-make dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or family dinners, this casserole combines the warmth and richness of a home-cooked meal with the convenience of an easy prep.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Meatballs

The first step in making this casserole is to prepare the meatballs. You can either make them ahead of time or prepare them fresh for the casserole. Here’s how:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.

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2. Mix the meatball ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef (or beef and pork mix), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic, parsley, egg, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour in the milk to moisten the breadcrumbs and mix everything together with your hands or a spoon until fully combined. The mixture should be slightly sticky but firm enough to form into balls.

3. Shape the meatballs. Using your hands, form small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. You should get about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size.

4. Bake the meatballs. Arrange the meatballs in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through. You can check their internal temperature with a meat thermometer – it should read 160°F (71°C).

5. Set the meatballs aside. Once the meatballs are done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool slightly. You can also prepare them a day ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Step 2: Assembling the Casserole

Now that your meatballs are ready, it’s time to assemble the casserole. This is where the magic happens.

1. Prepare the baking dish. Take a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. This prevents the meatballs from sticking and adds extra flavor.

2. Layer the meatballs. Arrange the baked meatballs in a single layer on top of the marinara sauce.

3. Top with sauce and cheese. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. This will create a gooey, melty layer of cheese once baked.

4. Add Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella for a savory, nutty finish.

5. Optional add-ins. If you’re using any optional ingredients like sautéed onions, bell peppers, olives, or spinach, layer them in now before adding the final layer of cheese.

Step 3: Baking the Casserole

Now that everything is assembled, it’s time to bake the casserole and allow all the flavors to meld together.

1. Cover the casserole. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help keep the moisture in.

2. Bake. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

3. Broil (optional). If you like a crisp, bubbly top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on the casserole during this time to ensure it doesn’t burn.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to slice.

1. Garnish with fresh basil. If desired, sprinkle some fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color and added freshness.

2. Serve. Slice the casserole into portions and serve with your favorite sides. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Perfect Italian Meatball Casserole

• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When ready to bake, simply assemble the casserole and bake as directed.
• Meatball Variations: While ground beef is the classic choice, you can experiment with different meats like ground turkey, chicken, or even a meatball mixture that combines beef, pork, and veal for a traditional Italian flavor.
• Cheese Variety: Mozzarella is the traditional choice, but you can also use provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses for added depth.
• Sauce Variations: Feel free to use homemade marinara sauce, or add a bit of red wine, garlic, or crushed red pepper to your sauce for extra flavor.
• Vegetable Add-ins: If you like vegetables, feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini to the casserole for more texture and flavor.
• Gluten-Free: You can make the meatballs gluten-free by substituting breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even oats.

Serving Suggestions

This Italian Meatball Casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides to round out your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is perfect for mopping up the delicious sauce and cheese.
2. Simple Salad: A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will provide a nice contrast to the richness of the casserole.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers, make a perfect complement to this dish.
4. Pasta: Serve over pasta if you prefer a more traditional Italian meal, especially spaghetti or penne.

Conclusion

The Italian Meatball Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender, flavorful meatballs, zesty marinara sauce, and melted cheese into one delicious dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Yield: 6

Quick Italian Meatball Casserole Recipe

Print

Italian cuisine is famous for its rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and heartwarming dishes that bring people together. Among the numerous Italian classics, one of the most beloved and versatile is the meatball. Whether served in a sandwich, in pasta, or as part of a casserole, Italian meatballs are a comforting and delicious choice.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb frozen meatballs (or homemade if preferred)
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the meatballs: In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread out the frozen meatballs.
3. Add sauce and seasoning: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs. Sprinkle with oregano, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Top with cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese evenly on top of the meatballs and sauce.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Garnish and serve: Optionally, drizzle a little olive oil over the top for added flavor and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

You can use homemade meatballs for an extra touch, or swap the frozen ones for a quicker version.

Add a side of garlic bread or a simple salad to complete the meal.

You can also add some veggies, like bell peppers or onions, to the casserole for more flavor.

This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and makes great leftovers!