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Meatball Casserole Recipe: Easy Family Dinner for 6+ Guests

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This hearty meatball casserole features juicy homemade meatballs baked in rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey cheese. It’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family or a group of friends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred, or ground turkey/chicken)
  • 1/2 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs (or plain with a pinch of Italian herbs)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
  • Handful of fresh basil, torn (for garnish)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
  • Optional: chopped spinach or kale (mix into meatballs)
  • Optional: ricotta cheese (dollop on top before baking)
  • Optional: use gluten-free bread crumbs for gluten-free version
  • Optional: store-bought frozen meatballs (thawed, if using)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, eggs, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  3. Scoop out heaping tablespoons and roll into 1 1/2-inch balls. Place on a baking sheet. You should get about 24–28 meatballs.
  4. Optional: Brown the meatballs in a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil, 2–3 minutes per side. (This step adds flavor but can be skipped.)
  5. Pour 1 cup marinara sauce into the bottom of the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
  6. Arrange the meatballs evenly in the dish. Pour the remaining 2 cups of marinara over the meatballs, coating each one.
  7. Sprinkle mozzarella and Italian blend cheese over the top. If using ricotta, dollop it across the top.
  8. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and golden and sauce is bubbling at the edges.
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
  10. Garnish with fresh basil and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

Let the casserole rest before serving to help it set and avoid excess moisture. Browning the meatballs adds flavor but can be skipped for speed. Easily adaptable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. For a heartier meal, layer in cooked pasta or roasted veggies before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, easy dinner, family meal, Italian casserole, baked meatballs, comfort food, crowd-pleaser, cheesy casserole, make ahead, freezer friendly

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/meatball-casserole-recipe-easy-family-dinner-for-6-plus-guests/