The Perfect Cheesy Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets culinary creativity in this delightful cheesy meatball casserole that promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish packed with robust flavors and irresistible textures.

Juicy meatballs nestle among layers of melted cheese and tender pasta, forming a perfect harmony of taste.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Families will adore the rich, satisfying combination of classic ingredients elevated to new heights.

Each forkful delivers a warm, nostalgic embrace that connects you to cherished mealtime memories.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this casserole has become a go-to favorite for home cooks everywhere.

Cheesy Meatball Casserole Made For Sharing

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: Whip up this cheesy meatball casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and satisfies even picky eaters.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Taste: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, ensuring a delicious result with minimal effort.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve as a hearty main course, pair with salad or garlic bread, or enjoy as a crowd-pleasing potluck dish that travels well and reheats beautifully.

What Goes Into Cheesy Meatball Casserole

• Ground Beef, Ground Pork: Rich protein foundation with a mix of meats for deeper flavor complexity.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind meatballs and adds light texture; preferably unseasoned.
• Egg: Acts as natural binding agent for meatball mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers for balanced taste.
• Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Provides aromatic depth and traditional Italian profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory undertone to meatball mixture.

• Marinara Sauce: Classic tomato base that provides moisture and traditional Italian character.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creates melty, golden topping with rich dairy notes; choose freshly grated for best melting.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for bright color and fresh herb accent.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures easy release and prevents sticking on baking surfaces.

Bake Cheesy Meatball Casserole This Way

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 375°F.

Grab a baking sheet and cover it with aluminum foil.

Lightly spray the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Delicious Meatballs

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Garlic
• Herbs
• Salt
• Pepper

Mix the ingredients with a light touch to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.

Use a cookie scoop to shape approximately 32 uniform meatballs.

Spread them evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re fully cooked through.

Step 3: Build the Cheesy Masterpiece

Prepare a casserole dish by spraying it with cooking spray.

Carefully transfer the cooked meatballs into the dish.

Pour marinara sauce generously over the meatballs, ensuring they’re well-covered.

Sprinkle a luxurious layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses across the top.

Step 4: Melt and Brown the Cheese

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to melt completely and turn a beautiful golden brown.

For an extra touch of freshness, consider garnishing with chopped basil or parsley.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Bring the hot, cheesy casserole to the table and serve immediately.

Pair with your favorite side dishes or enjoy it as a standalone meal that’s sure to satisfy.

Casserole Tips With Cheesy Meatball Layers

• Handle the meat mixture gently and avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender and juicy.
• Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the cheese to set and become wonderfully gooey.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the dish.
• Chop fresh basil or parsley right before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor to the casserole.
• Prepare the meatballs and assemble the casserole in advance, then refrigerate and bake when ready to serve.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Meatball Casserole Made Simple

• Store leftover meatball casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days for best quality and food safety.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warm.

Rich Picks For Meatball Casserole

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Complement the rich, savory meatballs with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which cuts through the cheese's richness and matches the tomato sauce's acidity.
• Bread Buddy Selection: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or warm Italian ciabatta to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast to the tender meatballs.
• Fresh Herb Accent: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving to add a bright, clean flavor that lifts the heavy, cheesy casserole and introduces a pop of color.
• Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty meatball casserole.

Cheesy Meatball Casserole Flavors

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace traditional pasta or bread base with roasted cauliflower florets, creating a lighter, vegetable-packed version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in meatball mixture, ensuring those with wheat sensitivities can enjoy the dish without compromising taste and texture.
• Vegetarian Protein Alternative: Swap meatballs with plant-based meatballs made from lentils, mushrooms, or soy protein, offering a complete protein-rich meal that caters to vegetarian dietary preferences while preserving the casserole's comforting essence.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate Mediterranean spices like oregano, za'atar, and red pepper flakes into the meatball mixture, then top with feta cheese instead of mozzarella to create a zesty, region-inspired variation with bold, tangy flavors.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for the meatballs?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. Just ensure the meat is lean to prevent the meatballs from becoming too dry.

• How can I tell if the meatballs are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Ground meats should reach 160°F to be safely cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a meatball in half to check for no pink center.

• Is it possible to make the meatballs ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the meatballs up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat them in the casserole with sauce and cheese when ready to serve.

• Can I freeze this cheesy meatball casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Cheesy Meatball Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory “cheesy meatball casserole” brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables with its rich layers of flavor. Hearty ingredients meld together, creating a satisfying meal that connects families around shared culinary joy you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) extra-lean ground beef (90-93% lean)
• 1 large egg

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small yellow or white onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Binding and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Italian breadcrumbs (or seasoned breadcrumbs)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 375°F and prepare a foil-lined baking sheet with non-stick spray.
2. Craft delicate meatballs by gently combining ground meat with complementary ingredients, ensuring a light touch to maintain tenderness. Utilize a cookie scoop to create uniform spherical portions, approximately 32 in total.
3. Roast the meatballs until they achieve a perfectly cooked interior, typically 15-20 minutes, developing rich golden exteriors.
4. Transfer the succulent meatballs into a prepared casserole dish, creating a hearty foundation for the upcoming layers.
5. Generously cascade marinara sauce across the meatball landscape, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Lavishly blanket the sauce-covered meatballs with a harmonious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, creating a luxurious dairy canopy.
7. Return the assembled dish to the oven, allowing the cheese to transform into a molten, golden-kissed topping through 10-15 minutes of uncovered baking.
8. Optional: Elevate the visual appeal and flavor profile by scattering fresh basil or parsley across the finished masterpiece.
9. Serve immediately while the cheese remains delightfully melted and the meatballs radiate warmth, accompanied by preferred side dishes or enjoyed as a standalone culinary delight.

Notes

• Select high-quality ground meat with a moderate fat content around 15-20% for juicier, more flavorful meatballs that won’t dry out during baking.
• Consider mixing meats like beef and pork for enhanced depth of flavor and improved texture in your meatballs.
• Avoid pressing or compacting meatballs too tightly when forming them to maintain a tender, light internal structure that prevents dense, tough results.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley instead of dried for brighter, more vibrant flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish’s taste complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg