Looking for an easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing dinner? You’ve come to the right place! This Ultimate Meatball Casserole – Family Favorite recipe is exactly what you need: juicy meatballs nestled in a rich sauce, blanketed with melted cheese, and baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
What is The Ultimate Meatball Casserole?
Why “Ultimate”? Why “Family Favorite”? Well, have you ever met a family who didn’t love meatballs and cheese? We think not! Maybe it’s because it’s so easy to throw together on a busy weeknight, or maybe it’s the sheer deliciousness of those tender meatballs swimming in a flavorful sauce. Some say it’s because it’s the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience, a culinary hug on a plate.
We always say ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach’ so the meatball casserole is direct highway. Whatever the reason, this casserole has earned its “ultimate” title in our hearts (and bellies!). So, ditch the takeout menus and get ready to create a new family tradition! Try our version of the recipe today, and you might just discover why it’s a recipe that’s been passed down for generations!
Why You’ll Love This Meatball Casserole:
This isn’t just any meatball casserole – it’s the one you’ll be making over and over again. First, it’s incredibly satisfying. Imagine biting into a juicy meatball, savoring the tangy tomato sauce, and enjoying the gooey, melty cheese. Second, making it at home saves you a ton of money compared to ordering takeout.
Plus, you get to control the ingredients and make it exactly to your liking! And let’s not forget the star of the show: the toppings. We’re talking crispy breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and a generous layer of mozzarella that creates the perfect golden crust. Think of it as a level up from your standard spaghetti and meatballs. Ready to ditch the delivery and whip up your own batch of meatball magic? Try it and you will love it!
Key Ingredients for Meatball Casserole:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:
- Meatballs: 1 (24-ounce) bag frozen Italian-style meatballs (or homemade – see tips below!)
- Pasta Sauce: 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce (or homemade)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Mozzarella Cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Meatball Casserole:
Meatball Casserole is surprisingly easy to assemble, making it a weeknight wonder. Its deliciousness lies in the simplicity of combining juicy meatballs, a flavorful sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese. From start to finish, you’re looking at around 45 minutes, including prep and bake time. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Combine Sauce and Seasonings: Pour in the marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer.
- Add Meatballs: Gently add the frozen meatballs to the simmering sauce. Stir to coat them evenly. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meatballs are heated through.
- Layer the Casserole: Pour half of the meatball mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the meatballs and sauce.
- Add Second Layer: Carefully pour the remaining meatball mixture over the cheese layer. Spread it evenly.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped basil, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve Meatball Casserole With:
This Meatball Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few ideas to round out your dinner:
- Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Use store-bought bread or make your own for a truly irresistible side.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the casserole. A simple green salad or a Caesar salad works perfectly.
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make great healthy additions.
- Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Merlot, complements the flavors of the tomato sauce and meatballs.
Top Tips for Perfecting Meatball Casserole:
- Homemade Meatballs: While frozen meatballs are convenient, homemade meatballs take this casserole to the next level. Use a mixture of ground beef, pork, and veal for the best flavor. Season generously with Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese! Provolone, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious.
- Sauce Customization: Don’t be afraid to tailor the sauce to your liking. Add a splash of red wine, a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity, or some extra herbs like oregano or thyme.
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle over the casserole before baking.
- Prevent Soggy Casserole: If you’re using previously cooked pasta, make sure to drain it well before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking can dry out the meatballs and make the cheese tough. Keep an eye on the casserole and remove it from the oven when the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Leftover Meatball Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat individual portions, microwave on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Freezing: Meatball Casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. To thaw, place the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.
Final Thoughts:
This Ultimate Meatball Casserole is a winner because its easy, delicious, and everyone loves it. Once you have tried it, it will become one of your go-to family dinner that pleases everyone. It also requires minimal effort, and is customizable to even that picky eater in the family. With the storing and reheating tips, it also offers convenience. This is a recipe which you can make once and enjoy for days to follow!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest