Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Combines the bold flavors of Italian-style meatballs with cheesy, baked casserole goodness
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Easy to make with everyday ingredients
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A perfect family dinner or potluck dish
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Can be made ahead and reheated
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Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
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Customizable with add-ins like olives, red pepper flakes, or extra herbs
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A hearty, one-pan meal
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Impressive enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights
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Pairs well with pasta, bread, or a side salad
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A comforting classic with a cheesy twist
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Meatballs:
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole:
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
directions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated, then roll into 1-inch meatballs.
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Brown the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Cook the meatballs in batches for 5–7 minutes, turning to brown all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through. Set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the marinara sauce. If using, stir in the red pepper flakes for heat. Mix in the cream cheese and stir until smooth and fully melted.
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Combine Meatballs and Sauce: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet and coat them gently in the creamy marinara sauce.
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Assemble the Casserole: Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
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Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
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Serve: Let it cool slightly, then garnish with basil and black olives if desired. Serve warm and enjoy.
Servings and timing
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Servings: 4 to 6 servings
Variations
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Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version
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Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce for extra vegetables
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Use spicy Italian sausage mixed with ground beef for added flavor
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Swap mozzarella for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses
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Make it low-carb by using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs
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Add a layer of cooked pasta or cooked rice under the meatballs for a complete one-dish meal
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For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end
storage/reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
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Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 15–20 minutes).
FAQs
How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart?
Using breadcrumbs and an egg helps bind the meatballs together. Be sure not to overmix, as that can make them crumbly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze Cheesy Meatballs Casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze after baking or before baking for future use. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped.
Can I use store-bought meatballs?
Yes, precooked meatballs can be used for convenience. Just skip the homemade meatball steps and go straight to the sauce.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Mozzarella is classic, but you can use Italian blends, provolone, or even fontina for added richness.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
To make it keto-friendly, substitute almond flour for breadcrumbs and ensure the marinara sauce has no added sugar.
Can I make it spicier?
Add extra red pepper flakes or mix in spicy sausage with the ground beef to kick up the heat.
What can I serve with this casserole?
Garlic bread, pasta, zucchini noodles, or a fresh salad are all great pairings.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute can work well.
How do I know when the casserole is done baking?
The cheese should be melted, bubbly, and golden brown on top, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F if measured.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Meatballs Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—rich, savory, and irresistibly cheesy. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to be a hit. With simple ingredients and lots of room for customization, this recipe will easily become a staple in your home cooking rotation.
Cheesy Meatballs Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A comforting and cheesy baked casserole featuring juicy homemade meatballs in a creamy marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan. Ideal for cozy dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Olive oil (for browning meatballs)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then form into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Brown the meatballs in batches for 5–7 minutes, turning to sear all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the marinara sauce. If using, stir in red pepper flakes for heat. Add cream cheese and stir until smooth and melted.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet and gently coat them in the creamy marinara sauce.
- Transfer everything to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh basil and black olives if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra vegetables.
Mix ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for added flavor.
Make it low-carb by substituting almond flour for breadcrumbs.
Add a layer of cooked pasta or rice underneath the meatballs for a one-dish meal.
Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a crispier cheese topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
