Introduction
A comforting meatball casserole recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. Rich sauce, tender meatballs, and melted cheese combine into a dish that feels hearty and familiar. Each bite offers deep flavor and soft texture that makes this recipe perfect for family meals.
This recipe suits busy weeknights as well as relaxed weekend dinners. Preparation stays simple, yet the final result feels special and filling. The casserole method allows flavors to blend slowly while keeping the meatballs juicy and soft inside.
Home cooks love this dish because it works for many occasions. It pairs well with simple sides and pleases both adults and children. With easy ingredients and clear steps, this meatball casserole recipe becomes a reliable favorite.
Ingredients Needed
Below is a complete ingredients table with approximate calorie values per used amount.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 500 grams | 1250 |
| Bread crumbs | 1 cup | 400 |
| Egg | 1 large | 70 |
| Onion finely chopped | 1 medium | 45 |
| Garlic minced | 3 cloves | 15 |
| Salt | 1 tsp | 0 |
| Black pepper | 1 tsp | 6 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp | 5 |
| Tomato sauce | 2 cups | 180 |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1½ cups | 480 |
| Parmesan cheese | ½ cup | 220 |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | 240 |
| Fresh parsley | 2 tbsp | 4 |
Calories are estimates and may vary by brand.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil
- Add ground beef, bread crumbs, egg, onion, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to a large bowl
- Mix gently with hands until ingredients combine without overworking the meat
- Shape the mixture into evenly sized meatballs for even cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat
- Place meatballs in the skillet and brown all sides lightly without fully cooking
- Remove meatballs and set aside on a plate
- Spread one cup of tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish
- Arrange the browned meatballs in a single layer over the sauce
- Pour remaining tomato sauce evenly over the meatballs
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously across the top
- Add Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor
- Cover the dish loosely with foil
- Bake for 25 minutes until meatballs cook through
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until cheese melts and turns lightly golden
- Rest the casserole for 5 minutes before serving
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
• Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version
• Add chopped mushrooms to the sauce for deeper flavor
• Mix chili flakes into the sauce for gentle heat
• Replace tomato sauce with marinara for richer taste
• Add cooked pasta under the meatballs for a full one dish meal
• Use fresh basil instead of parsley for aroma
Small adjustments allow this meatball casserole recipe to match different tastes without losing comfort.
Nutritional Information
Approximate values per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 32 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 18 grams |
| Fat | 34 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
Values depend on portion size and ingredient brands.
Serving Suggestions
Serve meatball casserole hot with garlic bread for a complete meal. A simple green salad balances the richness and adds freshness. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots work well for lighter plates.
For gatherings, serve directly from the baking dish for easy sharing. Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen. This recipe also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or buttered rice.
Conclusion
Comfort food feels complete when warmth and flavor come together effortlessly. This meatball casserole recipe delivers that feeling through tender meatballs, rich sauce, and melted cheese in every serving. Preparation stays simple while results feel satisfying and generous.
Family dinners become easier with recipes that everyone enjoys. This dish brings people together around the table and creates lasting food memories. Once added to your routine, it often becomes a repeat favorite that never disappoints.
