Cheesy Meatball Casserole is a comforting and indulgent dish that combines tender, flavorful meatballs with a rich marinara cream sauce, all topped with golden, bubbly cheese. It’s the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or any time you crave a hearty, satisfying dish.
With layers of savory meatballs, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even over pasta for a complete and delicious meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Rich and Flavorful: A combination of marinara, cream, and cheese ensures bold, satisfying flavors.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: Serve as-is, with bread, or over pasta for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
• 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
For the Sauce:
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
Step 2: Cook the Meatballs
1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Sear the meatballs on all sides until browned but not fully cooked, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
1. In the same skillet, add marinara sauce, heavy cream, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. Pour half of the sauce mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
3. Arrange the seared meatballs over the sauce.
4. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs to cover them.
Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping
1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
2. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
1. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
2. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley, if desired.
3. Serve warm, paired with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh side salad.
Tips
• Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
• Customize the Protein: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter or different flavor.
• Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Cheesy Meatball Casserole is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. Its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and tender meatballs make it an irresistible choice for any occasion!
