Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole features tender homemade beef meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Served over cooked spaghetti, this comforting casserole is perfect for a family dinner that combines classic Italian flavors with easy preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce and Cheese
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 8 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti (1 box)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, dried minced onions, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 3-inch diameter balls and arrange them evenly spaced in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake Meatballs: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the meatballs uncovered for 20 minutes, allowing them to cook through and firm up.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven and pour the marinara sauce over the meatballs. Gently stir to coat them evenly with the sauce.
- Reduce Oven Temperature and Bake: Lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and return the pan to bake for another 20 minutes, to enhance flavor melding and further cook the meatballs.
- Add Cheese and Final Bake: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella distributed around and on the meatballs, then evenly add the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Serve the meatball casserole hot over cooked spaghetti noodles. Optionally garnish with freshly minced parsley for extra color and freshness.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for better melting.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Ensure the meatballs are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake when ready to serve.
- Leftover casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
