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cheesy meatball casserole

This cheesy meatball casserole combines juicy meatballs with a rich tomato sauce, pasta, and plenty of melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 490 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large baking dish (9x13 inches)
  • 1 mixing bowl
  • 1 skillet
  • 1 pot for boiling pasta
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce
  • 3 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini) Boil according to package instructions until al dente.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • to taste fresh basil for garnish Optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
  • Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook the meatballs until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this point.
  • While the meatballs are cooking, boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large baking dish, mix the cooked pasta with marinara sauce. Gently add the meatballs to the dish, spreading them out evenly. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding chopped onions or bell peppers to the meatball mixture.
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just increase baking time by 5-10 minutes if taken straight from the fridge.
It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.