If you’re in search of a mouthwatering comfort food dish that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, look no further than the Fantastic Meatball Casserole. This recipe combines tender meatballs, savory marinara sauce, and a cheesy topping to create a delightful and filling meal that the whole family will love. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make this fantastic meatball casserole from start to finish.
Ingredients: For this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or spaghetti work well)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
- Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, milk, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix these ingredients until well combined. Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs, usually about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- Brown the Meatballs: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs and cook until they are browned on all sides. This step is to give the meatballs a nice sear; they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer the browned meatballs to a plate.
- Assemble the Casserole: In your prepared baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta evenly across the bottom. Place the browned meatballs on top of the pasta, then pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce. Repeat with the remaining pasta, meatballs, and sauce. Finally, top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, garnish your Fantastic Meatball Casserole with fresh basil leaves before serving. The fragrant basil adds a burst of freshness to the dish. Serve portions on plates or in bowls and enjoy!
The Fantastic Meatball Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Its combination of tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Try this recipe out, and you’ll have a new favorite comfort food in no time!
