If you’re craving a comforting, hearty dish packed with bold Italian flavors, this Meatball Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Juicy meatballs made from a mix of beef and Italian sausage nestle in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with ooey-gooey melted mozzarella and provolone cheeses. It’s the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and satisfying that warms your soul with every bite. Plus, this casserole is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it a fantastic meal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating this delicious Meatball Casserole Recipe. Each one plays a crucial part not only in flavor but also in building the right texture and eye-catching color that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides a rich, hearty base for the meatballs with plenty of juicy flavor.
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed): Adds depth and spice to the meat mixture for unbeatable savory notes.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the meatballs together while keeping them tender inside.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Introduces a nutty, salty kick that elevates every bite.
- 1 egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything perfectly without being dry.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth and subtle sharpness to the meat mixture.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings an earthy, traditional Italian herb flavor that’s indispensable here.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors throughout the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle, spicy kick to balance the richness.
- 3 cups marinara sauce: The luscious tomato base that keeps the casserole moist and flavorful.
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides that irresistible melty, stretchy texture we all love.
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese: Offers a sharp, slightly smoky cheese note that plays beautifully with mozzarella.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh burst of color and brightness on top.
- Olive oil for greasing: Prevents sticking and adds a subtle fruity richness.
How to Make Meatball Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Meatball Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to ensure your meatballs stay put without sticking. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until all ingredients are just combined—overmixing can make meatballs tough, so keep it tender.
Step 2: Form and Arrange the Meatballs
Shape the meat mixture into 1½-inch meatballs. This size is perfect for even cooking and easy serving. Arrange them in a single layer across your prepared baking dish. Making sure to space them evenly helps each meatball cook thoroughly without steaming.
Step 3: Add Sauce and Start Baking
Pour the marinara sauce generously and evenly over the meatballs, ensuring they are mostly covered—this keeps them moist and infuses every bite with delicious tomato goodness. Cover the dish tightly with foil before placing it in the oven. Bake for 25 minutes to let the meatballs cook gently in the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly on top of the meatballs. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, for another 15–20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly with a beautiful golden topping, and the meatballs are cooked through completely.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a lovely pop of color and fresh herbaceous notes. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle perfectly.
How to Serve Meatball Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the classic choice, but you can also add freshly grated Parmesan for extra umami or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. These simple touches lift the dish and make it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Meatball Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over spaghetti or your favorite pasta to soak up every bit of that sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed green vegetables or a crisp Caesar salad make perfect accompaniments. Breadsticks or garlic bread also bring out the Italian spirit fully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn leftovers into meatball sub sandwiches by piling the saucy meatballs into toasted buns and adding extra cheese. Or serve the casserole in individual ramekins for an elegant dinner party presentation. No matter how you plate it, this dish dazzles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Meatball Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Reheat gently to keep the meatballs tender and the cheese creamy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully before baking. Prepare the meatballs and assemble the dish up to the point of adding cheese. Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake covered, then add cheese near the end of baking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, covering with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power with a damp paper towel over the top for a quick meal that still tastes delicious.
FAQs
Can I use all ground beef instead of mixing sausage?
Absolutely! While the Italian sausage adds extra flavor and seasoning, using all ground beef will still result in tasty meatballs. You might want to add extra spices like fennel or Italian seasoning to compensate.
What can I substitute for breadcrumbs?
If you want to keep the casserole gluten-free or are out of breadcrumbs, almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers make excellent substitutes. They help hold the meatballs together just as well.
Can I make this vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, consider using plant-based meat alternatives or making meatballs from lentils, mushrooms, or beans, then follow the recipe similarly. Use a marinara sauce that is free from meat products.
Is it possible to make the casserole spicier?
Definitely! Add some red chili flakes to the meatball mixture or use a spicy marinara sauce for added heat. You can also sprinkle crushed chili peppers over the cheese before the final bake.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked?
The meatballs should be cooked through after the initial 25 minutes covered and another 15–20 minutes uncovered with cheese. You can check by cutting one in half; it should no longer be pink inside and juices should run clear.
Final Thoughts
This Meatball Casserole Recipe captures all the cozy, comforting feelings of classic Italian cooking with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s a dish that invites smiles, seconds, and even leftovers to look forward to. I can’t wait for you to try it and see just how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Meatball Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole combines juicy homemade meatballs with rich marinara sauce and gooey melted cheeses for a delicious Italian-American comfort meal. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s perfect served over pasta, rice, or in sub rolls for sandwiches.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 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
Assembly & Topping
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Olive oil, for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep meatballs tender.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1½-inch meatballs, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Place them in a single layer inside the prepared baking dish.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs, making sure they are mostly covered to keep them moist during baking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. This step cooks the meatballs through and allows flavors to meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Remove the foil, sprinkle mozzarella and provolone cheeses evenly over the meatballs, and return the dish to the oven. Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden, and the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately over pasta, rice, or on sub rolls for delicious meatball sandwiches.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, rice, or in sub rolls for sandwiches.
- For a low-carb version, substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and frozen before baking for convenience.
