Classic Meatball Marinara Casserole

In the realm of comfort food, few dishes evoke the same warmth and nostalgia as a hearty meatball marinara casserole. This delightful dish is a celebration of flavors and textures, featuring tender meatballs nestled in a rich marinara sauce, all topped with gooey, melted cheese. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners, the Savory Meatball Marinara Casserole embodies the essence of home-cooked meals that bring people together.

Classic Meatball Marinara Casserole

Discover the comforting delight of Savory Meatball Marinara Casserole, a perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy weeknights. This dish features tender meatballs in rich marinara, all topped with gooey melted cheese. With simple ingredients and a step-by-step guide, you can create an unforgettable culinary experience. Elevate your comfort food game with this heartwarming casserole that brings loved ones together around the table. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Marinara Sauce:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

1 tbsp olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine together ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Brown the Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Add the meatballs in batches, browning them on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Pour in the marinara sauce, add crushed red pepper (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes.

Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce. Gently fold in the browned meatballs until everything is well coated.

Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top generously with shredded mozzarella cheese.

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 25 minutes | 1 hour | 6-8 servings