Meatball Casserole Recipe

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This Meatball Casserole is the ultimate comfort food dish—perfectly seasoned meatballs, simmered in marinara sauce, smothered with melted cheese, and baked to golden perfection. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and weeknight-approved, making it a repeat favorite for dinner rotations. Whether you serve it with pasta, over mashed potatoes, or spooned into a toasted sub roll, it never disappoints.

What sets this dish apart is its rich layers of flavor and that irresistible cheese pull from gooey mozzarella. It brings all the nostalgic vibes of classic Italian-American comfort food, but in an easy, oven-baked form. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead option for busy nights or meal prepping for the week.

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What Kind of Meat Should I Use for Meatball Casserole?

You want a juicy, flavorful base for your meatballs. A mix of ground beef and ground pork gives you the perfect balance of flavor and fat. Beef alone works too, but pork adds tenderness and richness. You could even toss in ground turkey for a leaner version without compromising too much on texture. Whatever you choose, aim for meat with some fat content—nothing too lean, or you’ll end up with dry meatballs.

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Ingredients for the Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ground beef and/or pork: The heart of the meatballs, offering a rich, savory flavor. Using a blend keeps them tender and juicy.

Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and give them structure. They also soak up moisture, keeping everything soft inside.

Eggs: Essential for binding the meat mixture so the meatballs stay together while cooking.

Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and enhances the Italian flavors.

Garlic and onion (minced): These aromatics infuse the meatballs with bold flavor.

Italian seasoning and parsley: Dried Italian seasoning brings herbs like oregano and basil; fresh parsley adds brightness.

Salt and pepper: Basic but crucial—season generously!

Marinara sauce: This bathes the meatballs in tangy, tomato-rich goodness.

Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey top layer that browns beautifully and gives you that classic casserole finish.

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

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How To Make the Meatball Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine your ground meat (beef, pork, or a mix), breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, minced onion, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chopped parsley. Use clean hands to gently mix everything until just combined—don’t overmix or the meatballs can get tough.

Step 2: Shape and Sear the Meatballs

Roll the mixture into even-sized balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil and sear the meatballs on all sides until browned. You don’t need to cook them through—just get that nice golden crust.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, add the browned meatballs, then pour more sauce over the top. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over everything.

Step 4: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of freshness and color. Serve hot as a main dish with pasta, crusty bread, or even on a sub roll for a next-level meatball sandwich.

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How to Serve and Store Meatball Casserole

Meatball Casserole is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can spoon it over spaghetti for a classic pairing, tuck it into hoagie rolls for irresistible meatball subs, or plate it next to a simple green salad and garlic bread for a cozy dinner. The melty cheese and rich marinara also make it perfect for layering into baked pasta dishes if you have leftovers.

To store, let the casserole cool completely. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully—place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?

Using a good binder like eggs and breadcrumbs helps hold them together. Be sure to mix just until combined, and don’t skip chilling them briefly if your mixture feels too loose.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time, grab your favorite frozen or fresh pre-made meatballs. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

What’s the best cheese for meatball casserole?

Mozzarella is a must for that classic melt, but feel free to mix in provolone or fontina for extra flavor. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds a nice salty finish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. You can also freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and make sure your marinara sauce doesn’t contain hidden gluten.

What side dishes go well with this?

Try a fresh Caesar salad, roasted veggies, or garlic knots. It also goes well with creamy mashed potatoes or polenta for a comfort food twist.

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Want More Dinner Casserole Ideas?

If you’re a fan of this Meatball Casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore these savory, cheesy, and family-friendly meals:

• Try the Crockpot Cheese Tortellini and Sausage for a slow-cooked comfort meal.
• Check out the One Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese for a crispy-cheesy pasta fusion.
• Dive into the Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for rich, creamy satisfaction.
• Or go for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli if you love cozy pasta bakes.
• Don’t miss the Funeral Potatoes—ultra creamy and perfect for any gathering.

These recipes are ideal for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or when you’re just craving something baked and bubbling with cheese.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest

Have you tried this casserole? Drop a comment below and tell me how it went! Did you go all beef or mix it up with pork? Did you sneak in any veggies or swap the sauce?

Your tweaks and tips help others in the kitchen—so don’t be shy about sharing. Let’s make dinner easier (and tastier) together.

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