Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy meatball casserole straight from the oven. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—juicy meatballs, melted cheese, and a rich tomato sauce all baked into one irresistible dish.
Table of Contents
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this Easy Meatball Casserole is quick, comforting, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s versatile—swap ingredients based on what you have!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
✔ One-pan wonder (minimal cleanup!).
✔ Kid-approved & picky-eater friendly.
✔ Freezer-friendly (make ahead for busy days).
Ingredients (With Substitutions)
(Serves 6-8 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 30 mins)*
For the Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch or gluten-free if needed)
- 1 egg (binds everything together)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (adds umami depth)
- 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Casserole
- 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella (or provolone for extra meltiness)
- 1/2 cup ricotta (optional, for creaminess)
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions (With Tips)
1️⃣ Prep the Meatballs
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings.
- Roll into 1-inch meatballs (pro tip: wet hands prevent sticking!).
2️⃣ Brown the Meatballs
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet (or transfer to a baking dish later).
- Sear meatballs for 2-3 mins per side (they’ll finish cooking in the oven).
3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
- Pour marinara sauce over meatballs.
- Sprinkle mozzarella & dollops of ricotta (if using).
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until bubbly & golden.
- Garnish with fresh herbs before serving.
Chef Andrew’s Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead: Assemble & refrigerate overnight (bake when ready).
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze before baking (thaw & cook as directed).
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes for heat.
Delicious Variations to Try
- 🍝 Meatball & Pasta Bake – Add cooked penne before baking.
- 🥦 Low-Carb Version – Skip breadcrumbs, add grated zucchini.
- 🍗 Chicken Meatball Casserole – Swap beef for ground chicken.
FAQs (For Featured Snippets)
What Goes with Meatball Casserole?
A classic meatball casserole pairs perfectly with:
Garlic bread (for soaking up sauce!)
Crisp green salad (balances richness)
Roasted vegetables (e.g., zucchini or bell peppers)
Buttered noodles or mashed potatoes (for a hearty meal)
What Is the Secret to Moist Meatballs?
The key to juicy, tender meatballs is:
✔ Use fatty meat (80/20 ground beef or pork blend).
✔ Add moisture (milk-soaked breadcrumbs or grated onion).
✔ Avoid overmixing (gentle hands = tender texture).
✔ Don’t overcook (bake until just 160°F internally).
What Sauce Do You Put with Meatballs?
The best sauces for meatball casserole:
Marinara (classic Italian-style)
Creamy Alfredo (for a richer twist)
Mushroom gravy (Swedish-inspired)
Spicy arrabbiata (if you like heat)
Bake or Fry Meatballs Before Adding to Casserole?
Baking is easier & healthier, but pan-searing adds flavor.
Bake (400°F for 15 mins): Less mess, even cooking.
Pan-fry: Crispy exterior, but requires extra oil.
👉 This recipe uses a quick sear for depth, then finishes baking!
What to Serve with Moroccan Meatballs?
For a Moroccan twist, pair with:
Couscous or flatbread
Tzatziki or harissa yogurt
Roasted carrots & chickpeas
Fresh mint garnish
Easy Meatball Casserole – Cheesy & Family-Friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup ricotta (optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
Prep Meatballs
- Mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, and seasonings. Roll into 1-inch meatballs.
Sear Meatballs
- In an oven-safe skillet, sear meatballs for 2-3 mins per side (they’ll finish baking).
Assemble Casserole
- Pour marinara over meatballs. Top with mozzarella and ricotta (if using).
Bake
- Bake at 375°F for 20-25 mins until bubbly. Garnish with herbs and serve!
Notes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 380 kcal | 18g | 28g | 22g |
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread (for dipping!).
- Simple green salad (balances richness).
Final Thoughts
This Easy Meatball Casserole is a weeknight lifesaver—cheesy, hearty, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments: What’s your favorite twist on meatball casserole?