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Are you in the market for something delicious, hearty as well as incredibly relaxing? The baked meatball casserole is your answer! If you’ve made it previously or this is your first attempt making it, the “try again” recipe guarantees satisfaction with delicious result. With tender meatballs, delicious marinara sauce and melting cheese, this is the kind of food that can transform the ordinary dinner into a delicious feast. If you’re in search of a simple, easy-to-make family favorite the casserole will be sure to satisfy any craving.
Key Benefits Baked Meatball
- 100% Comfort Food: This casserole delivers warm, cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps with everyday ingredients—perfect for any skill level.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love the flavor-packed meatballs and gooey cheese.
- Great for Leftovers: Stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Customizable: Swap in different cheeses, sauces, or add veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients how to Make Baked Meatball
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (or turkey) | 1 lb (450g) |
| Bread crumbs | 1/2 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried Italian herbs | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Marinara sauce | 2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese, shredded | 1 1/2 cups |
| Fresh basil, chopped | 2 tbsp (optional) |
Instructions For Baked Meatball
- Pre-heat the oven to 325degF (190degC). Grease a baking dish that measures 9×13 inches and place it aside.
- Make the meatballs In an enormous bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs as well as grated Parmesan garlic powder, egg, onion powder Italian herb, salt and pepper. Mix well until it is all combined.
- Form the Baked Meatball Form the mix into meatballs of 1-inch diameter and then arrange them as a single layer on baking sheets.
- Make the meatballs Set the baking tray into the oven to bake for 15 to 18 minutes and until meatballs have turned crispy and golden brown.
- The casserole is assembled: Inside the baking dish, place an even layer of marinara sauce. Put the meatballs that have been baked over the top and then sprinkle the rest of the marinara sauce over them.
- Sprinkle cheese on top: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on meatballs’ surface.
- Bake the dish Place the casserole back in the oven to bake for about 10 minutes more or until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
- Add garnish and enjoy Serve fresh, chopped or fresh-cut basil on the top of the dish prior to serving to add flavor and freshness.
Pro Tips and Variations
- for Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinara sauce to add an extra kick, or add chopped onions and garlic into the sauce, while it is simmering.
- Cheese Variations Add cheddar or ricotta cheese with mozzarella for an extra creamy, richer casserole.
- Ground Meats Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken to make your lighter choice, or choose to use half-and-half of ground pork for a more flavorful.
- Create a low-carb version: Swap the bread crumbs for almond flour, or crushed pork rinds in order to reduce the carb content and still retain the meatball’s texture.
- Add vegetables: Sneak in some finely chopped bell peppers to the meatballs for additional nutrients, or add sauteed vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms into the dish for more flavor.
- Make ahead: This casserole is great for meal prep. Make the dish ahead of time then cover it with a tight seal and then refrigerate. Once it is ready for baking put it into the oven, and bake according to the recipe suggests.
- Friendly to Freezers: Freeze the assembled casserole (without baking) for three months. The casserole can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight before baking to make a fast dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with A Salad: Serve the casserole with a fresh and fresh salad, topped and a tart vinaigrette dressing to help balance the cheesy, rich tastes.
- Garlic Bread The warm, buttery garlic bread is the ideal combination to soak up marinara sauce you have left and to provide a crisp flavor.
- Roasted Vegetables To make a balanced dinner, you can serve this casserole alongside roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or even cauliflower to add taste and color.
- Pasta Options: Serve over a pasta dish cooked to perfection or pasta of your choice for a classic Italian food that can please all the members of your family.
- Wine Pairings: Enjoy with a glass of red wine for example, A medium-bodied Chianti or a smoky Cabernet Sauvignon, to complement the rich flavor of the dish.
Conclusion
It’s a must-have recipe. baked meatball casserole is a recipe that’s foolproof that provides comfort and taste in every bite. When you’re cooking the family for dinner, preparation for the week or you’re just in the mood for a hearty cheese-filled dish This casserole is sure to be a favorite. Made with soft meatballs, a creamy marinara, and melty gooey cheese, this dish is a sure popular with the crowd. If you try it, you’ll be able to see the reason why you should make it again and over.
FAQs about Baked Meatball
1. Do I need to use frozen meatballs to make this dish?! Absolutely, you can utilize frozen meatballs for this recipe to help save time. Simply bake them in accordance with the directions on the package before making the dish.
2. Do I have the ability to prepare this dish in advance? Absolutely! The casserole can be prepared until it is ready for baking and chill it over night. Once you’re prepared, simply place it in the oven to bake it like you normally.
3. Can this dish be frozen Sure! Put the casserole together (without baking) and then cover it with a tight and then freeze it for 3 to 6 months. Once you’re ready to bake just let it thaw over night in the refrigerator and bake according to the recipe.
4. What other cheeses might be used in this dish Do you have any ideas? You can experiment using different types of cheeses such as cheddar, provolone or Ricotta. Making a mix of different cheeses will add more flavour and creaminess.
5. How can I keep leftovers? Place leftovers in a sealed container that can be kept in the refrigerator for upto 3 days. Serve in ovens or in the microwave until it is warm.
6. Do I have to add veggies into the casserole? Absolutely! It is possible to add sauteed veggies such as zucchini, spinach or even mushrooms, either within the meatballs or into the casserole for more taste and nutrients.