Best Meatball Casserole

Introduction

Best meatball casserole — just the name makes my mouth water. I first discovered this recipe on a cold winter evening when I wanted something hearty but easy to make. It’s one of those dishes that fills your home with the smell of baked cheese, marinara sauce, and tender meatballs — the kind of aroma that makes everyone gather around the kitchen, asking, “When’s dinner ready?”

Since then, this casserole has become a regular at our Sunday dinners. The layers of savory sauce, juicy meatballs, and gooey melted cheese are impossible to resist. It’s like lasagna without the pasta, but with double the comfort. If you’re in the mood for another cozy dish, you’ll love this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings Recipe — it’s comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients for Best Meatball Casserole

This recipe uses simple pantry ingredients but delivers big flavor.

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef

• ½ lb (225g) ground pork (optional for extra flavor)

• ½ cup breadcrumbs

• 1 large egg

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups marinara sauce

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat the oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the meatballs – In a large bowl, combine beef, pork, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into golf ball-sized meatballs.

3. Brown the meatballs – Heat a skillet over medium heat and sear meatballs on all sides until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).

4. Assemble the casserole – Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce in a baking dish. Arrange meatballs on top. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the meatballs.

5. Add cheese – Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.

6. Bake – Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Serve – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Add pasta: For a heartier meal, layer cooked pasta under the meatballs before baking.

• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a kick.

• Switch the protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Extra cheesy: Mix ricotta cheese into the layers for a creamier casserole.

• If you like rich and creamy flavors, this Lemon Cream Cake Recipe is a must-try for dessert.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

• This dish freezes beautifully — freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months.

Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 55 minutes

• Servings: 6

Tools Used

• Mixing bowls

• Large skillet

• Baking dish

• Spatula

• Knife & cutting board

 Best Meatball Casserole for Busy Weeknights

One of the best things about the best meatball casserole is that you can prep it ahead of time. Just assemble everything in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, pop it in the oven — dinner’s ready in under an hour!

Cheesy Meatball Casserole That Everyone Will Love

This dish is perfect for gatherings because it’s filling, comforting, and easy to make in large batches. Pair it with garlic bread and a fresh salad for a complete meal. For another comforting dinner idea, check out this Creamy Mushroom Soup Recipe — it’s warm, rich, and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s something about baked meatballs smothered in marinara and cheese that just screams comfort food. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Whether you serve it with pasta, bread, or on its own, the best meatball casserole will quickly become a favorite in your home. And if you want to explore more cheesy baked dishes, AllRecipes has plenty of mouthwatering variations.