Cheesy Meatball Casserole: A Comforting Delight for the Whole Family

There’s something magical about the combination of cheesy goodness and hearty meatballs baked to perfection. This Cheesy Meatball Casserole is a crowd-pleaser, offering tender, flavorful meatballs coated in a rich marinara sauce and topped with gooey, melted cheese. Whether you’re preparing dinner for your family or hosting a potluck, this dish is sure to impress. It’s not just delicious—it’s simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

 

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Sauce:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley (optional garnish)

 

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. While the meatballs are baking, prepare the sauce.
2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine marinara sauce, heavy cream, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. In a large casserole dish, pour a thin layer of the prepared sauce at the bottom.
2. Arrange the baked meatballs evenly in the dish.
3. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are fully coated.
4. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top, followed by the grated Parmesan.

Step 4: Bake and Garnish

1. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
3. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Meatball Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad, crusty garlic bread, or buttered noodles. It’s also versatile enough to be served with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete, balanced meal.

 

Comfort food at its finest, this Cheesy Meatball Casserole combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. The tender meatballs, rich marinara cream sauce, and gooey cheese topping come together to create a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to prepare. Try this recipe for your next dinner, and watch as it becomes a new family favorite. With just 55 minutes of total prep and cooking time, it’s perfect for any day of the week!