Savory Cheesy Meatball Casserole Parmesan Recipe For Dinner

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible cheesy meatball casserole parmesan that promises pure culinary bliss.

Tender, juicy meatballs nestle beneath a blanket of melted cheese and rich marinara sauce.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with delightful intensity.

Pasta provides the perfect foundation for this hearty dish that brings warmth to any dinner table.

Crafted with simple ingredients and minimal effort, this casserole transforms ordinary weeknight meals into extraordinary experiences.

The combination of savory meatballs, gooey cheese, and robust sauce creates a meal everyone will crave.

Prepare to savor every delectable forkful of this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 540 kcal

Servings: 4

Parmesan Meatball Casserole Ingredient Breakdown

• Ground Beef: Rich protein base that provides hearty flavor and satisfying texture for the casserole.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates light, tender meatball structure and helps bind ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth and enhances overall umami profile of the meatballs.
• Egg: Acts as a natural binding agent to hold meatball mixture together seamlessly.
• Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic punch and classic Italian seasoning character.
• Italian Seasoning: Delivers authentic Mediterranean herb blend with complex, well-rounded taste.
• Salt: Amplifies natural meat flavors and balances other seasonings.
• Black Pepper: Introduces subtle heat and warm, earthy undertone to the meatball mix.

• Parchment Paper: Ensures easy meatball removal and prevents sticking during baking.

• Extra Parmesan Cheese: Provides additional sprinkle of tangy, nutty flavor on top of finished dish.

Tools for Baking a Hearty Meatball Casserole

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and mixing meatball ingredients thoroughly.
• Baking sheet: Needed for cooking meatballs evenly and catching drips.
• Parchment paper: Prevents meatballs from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: Helps shape uniform meatballs quickly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients without overworking the meat.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking sheets.

Layer Meatballs and Cheese Like a Pro

• Warm Up The Oven Crank your oven to a toasty 375 degrees, getting ready for some serious comfort food.
• Create Flavor Bombs Dive into mixing ground beef with zesty Parmesan, a cracked egg, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Italian herbs – get your hands dirty and blend everything until it's perfectly combined.
• Shape Delicious Spheres Roll the meaty mixture into bite-sized balls, making them roughly the size of a golf ball – keep them consistent so they cook evenly.
• Bake To Golden Perfection Slide your meatball creations onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and let them transform in the oven for 15-18 minutes, watching for a gorgeous golden-brown exterior that promises juicy deliciousness inside.
• Layer The Casserole Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish, nestle those gorgeous meatballs into the sauce, sprinkle generously with mozzarella and extra Parmesan cheese.
• Final Bake Slide the casserole back into the oven and let everything meld together for about 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly crispy on top.
• Rest And Serve Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then scoop out steaming portions onto plates – perfect with a side of crusty bread or over pasta.

Tips to Keep It Saucy Without Overdoing It

• Prepare meatballs and sauce a day ahead, refrigerate separately, and assemble just before baking for maximum flavor and convenience.
• Replace traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option while maintaining the delicious Italian-inspired flavor profile.
• Add extra diced vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to the meatball mixture for increased nutrition and a more complex taste experience.
• Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the meat mixture for those who enjoy a spicy kick in their comfort food casserole.

Serve With Garlic Bread or Over Pasta

• Cozy Pasta Companion: Serve this meatball casserole over a bed of al dente spaghetti or penne pasta for a classic Italian-inspired meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Veggie Sidekick: Pair the casserole with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and broccoli to add color, nutrition, and a delightful crunch to your plate.
• Bread Basket Boost: Complement the dish with garlic bread or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying, warm accompaniment that elevates the entire meal.
• Fresh Herb Finale: Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a burst of fresh flavor and a beautiful green garnish that makes the dish look extra appetizing.

Store for Make-Ahead Dinners

• Prepare a double batch of meatballs and freeze half for future quick meals. Store uncooked meatballs in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Cooked meatball casserole stays fresh in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Carefully cover with tight-fitting lid or plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent odor absorption.
• Warm refrigerated casserole in microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway to ensure even heating. Add a splash of marinara sauce to refresh moisture if needed when reheating.
• Fully cooled casserole can be frozen up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe container or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating at 350F for 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of ground meat for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile while maintaining a similar texture.

• Is it possible to make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the meatballs up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to bake them in the casserole.

• How can I ensure the meatballs stay moist and tender?

Use a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese, and avoid overmixing the meat. This helps keep the meatballs tender and prevents them from becoming tough during cooking.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can create your own blend by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, or simply use a combination of dried herbs you have on hand.

Cheesy Meatball Casserole Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Meatball Casserole Parmesan combines classic Italian comfort with cheesy goodness. Melted mozzarella, marinara sauce, and perfectly seasoned meatballs create a satisfying meal you’ll savor to the last bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 3 cups (720 ml) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 12 oz (340 g) cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Gently mix ground meat with breadcrumbs, eggs, herbs, salt, and pepper, blending ingredients until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
2. Meatball Formation: Roll meat mixture into uniformly sized spheres, using light pressure to prevent compacting, which could result in dense meatballs.
3. Initial Roasting: Position meatballs on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F.
4. Casserole Assembly: Layer marinara sauce in a baking dish, arrange roasted meatballs throughout, and generously sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, ensuring even coverage.
5. Final Baking: Return dish to the oven, reducing temperature to 350°F, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly crust.
6. Resting and Serving: Allow casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven, which helps set the dish and intensify flavors. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

• Measure Meat Precisely: Use a kitchen scale or portioning scoop to create identical-sized meatballs, ensuring uniform cooking and professional presentation.
• Control Mixing Technique: Blend meat mixture gently with fingertips, avoiding aggressive kneading that compresses proteins and creates tough, dense meatballs.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Always check meatballs reach 160°F using a digital meat thermometer to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
• Prevent Moisture Loss: Let meatballs rest briefly after roasting, allowing internal juices to redistribute and maintain rich, succulent texture before casserole assembly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg