Name: Meatball Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; Olive oil for greasing the baking dish

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If you’re searching for a family-friendly dinner that delivers all the cheesy, saucy comfort you crave, this Meatball Casserole Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine juicy meatballs bubbling in a rich marinara sauce, smothered with gooey mozzarella and provolone, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. It’s hearty, satisfying, and irresistibly delicious—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this dish brings together everything you love about classic Italian-American flavors in one crowd-pleasing casserole.

Meatball Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Meatball Casserole Recipe is how it transforms a handful of humble ingredients into something truly special. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so satisfying. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each one:

Ground beef: The hearty base for your meatballs, bringing rich, meaty flavor and that classic texture everyone loves.
Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds a punch of savory spice and depth, making your meatballs extra juicy and flavorful.
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the meatballs together and keep them tender, not tough.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty taste that perfectly complements the beef and sausage.
Egg: Essential for holding your meatballs together and adding moisture.
Garlic (minced): For that irresistible aromatic kick—fresh garlic brings the meatballs to life.
Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that infuses each bite with subtle earthiness.
Salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors without overpowering them.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle, warming spice that ties everything together.
Marinara sauce: The saucy blanket that keeps everything juicy and melds all the flavors together—use your favorite jarred or homemade variety.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that iconic melty, stretchy cheese pull—don’t skimp here!
Shredded provolone cheese: Adds creaminess and a subtle sharpness that balances the mozzarella.
Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
Olive oil for greasing: Ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and adds a hint of fruity flavor.

How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil—just enough to prevent sticking and add a subtle richness to the casserole. This little step makes cleanup easier and guarantees those meatballs slide right out when serving.

Step 2: Mix the Meatball Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage (with casings removed), breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a sturdy spoon to mix everything just until combined. Over-mixing can make the meatballs tough, so stop as soon as everything looks evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Meatballs

Scoop up a bit of the mixture and gently roll it between your palms to form 1½-inch meatballs. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly—this recipe should yield about 18 to 20 meatballs. Place each one into the prepared baking dish in a single snug layer, letting them nestle together without crowding.

Step 4: Add the Marinara Sauce

Pour your marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they’re mostly covered. The sauce will bubble up as it bakes, infusing the meatballs with flavor and keeping them moist. This is where the magic starts!

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes—this helps the meatballs cook through gently and absorb all that luscious marinara flavor without drying out.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses generously over the top. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 to 20 minutes. The cheese will melt, bubble, and turn golden in spots, while the meatballs finish cooking through. The aroma at this stage is pure heaven!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once the cheese is beautifully melted and the edges are bubbling, take your casserole out of the oven. Let it cool for a few minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley. This final touch adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.

How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, but you can also add extra grated Parmesan or a handful of basil leaves for even more flavor. If you love a little heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top before serving to wake up the taste buds.

Side Dishes

This Meatball Casserole Recipe pairs brilliantly with so many sides. Serve it over a bed of spaghetti or creamy polenta for a traditional Italian-American feast. Garlic bread or a simple green salad with a zippy vinaigrette also make perfect companions, soaking up that extra sauce and balancing the richness of the dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the cheesy meatballs into toasted sub rolls for the ultimate meatball sandwich—so satisfying and great for game day! Or, keep things low-carb by serving over zucchini noodles or roasted veggies. You can even portion the casserole into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), simply let the Meatball Casserole Recipe cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the flavors only deepen and get better overnight.

Freezing

This recipe is a freezer hero. Assemble the casserole right up to the point before baking, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. You can also freeze cooked leftovers in airtight containers for easy future meals.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For smaller portions, a microwave works well—just cover and heat in short bursts to keep the cheese gooey and the meatballs juicy.

FAQs

Can I make this Meatball Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap out the regular breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative, or try almond flour for a low-carb, gluten-free twist. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

What kind of marinara sauce works best?

Use a high-quality jarred marinara or homemade if you have time—the sauce is a big part of the flavor. Look for one with simple ingredients and no added sugar for the best results.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef and sausage, but keep in mind the meatballs may be a bit lighter in flavor and texture. You might want to add a little extra seasoning or olive oil to keep them juicy.

How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?

The meatballs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are no longer pink inside. The cheese on top should be melted and bubbling, with golden spots for that perfect finish.

Can I assemble the Meatball Casserole Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit out for 20–30 minutes to take the chill off, then bake as directed. Perfect for meal prep or entertaining!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy dinner that’s easy, delicious, and guaranteed to please a crowd, you can’t go wrong with this Meatball Casserole Recipe. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will ask for seconds every time!

Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty Meatball Casserole combines tender meatballs made from ground beef and Italian sausage baked in a rich marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Perfect for a comforting Italian-American main course, it’s easy to assemble and bake, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or meal prep option.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

1 pound ground beef
1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for low-carb)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Toppings

3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Other

Olive oil for greasing the baking dish

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Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs and arrange them in a single layer in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
Add Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, covering them mostly to keep them moist during baking.
Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 minutes to cook the meatballs through while infusing flavors.
Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and evenly sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the meatballs are fully cooked.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the casserole with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, optionally over pasta, rice, or in sub rolls as a sandwich.

Notes

Serve this casserole over pasta, rice, or stuff into sub rolls for delicious meatball sandwiches.
For a low-carb option, substitute almond flour for the breadcrumbs in the meatball mixture.
You can prepare the casserole ahead and freeze it before baking; just thaw in the refrigerator before cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-American