Cheesy Parmesan Meatball Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

This hearty meatball casserole parmesan promises comfort on a chilly evening.

Tender beef spheres nestle beneath a blanket of melted cheese and rich marinara sauce.

Warm aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising deliciousness ahead.

Memories of grandmother’s home cooking might spark as layers of flavor develop.

Pasta provides a perfect foundation for these savory morsels bathed in zesty tomato goodness.

Weekend meal planning becomes a breeze with this straightforward, crowd-pleasing dish.

You’ll want seconds – trust me on this flavor-packed culinary adventure.

Ingredients Checklist for Meatball Casserole Parmesan

• Ground Beef: Rich protein source that forms the core of the meatballs, choose lean ground beef for better texture and less grease.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and provides a light, tender texture, standard or Italian-style breadcrumbs work well.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory flavor and helps create a crispy exterior, use freshly grated for best results.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help hold the meatballs together, room temperature egg recommended.

• Garlic: Provides deep, aromatic flavor, fresh minced garlic offers more intense taste than pre-minced.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that gives classic Mediterranean flavor, can substitute with individual herbs like oregano and basil.
• Salt: Enhances overall meat flavor, use kosher or sea salt for better distribution.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity to the meatball mixture, freshly ground pepper preferred.

How to Build a Meatball Casserole Parmesan Dish

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for a delicious adventure.

Step 2: Mix Meaty Magic

• Ground beef
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Dive in with your hands and blend everything until it’s perfectly combined.

Step 3: Shape Delightful Morsels

Roll the mixture into adorable one-inch meatballs. Gently place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, giving each little ball some breathing room.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let the meatballs dance and sizzle for 15-18 minutes. Watch for a beautiful golden-brown exterior and ensure they’re cooked completely through.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the mouthwatering meatballs to a serving platter. These little flavor bombs are ready to be devoured and enjoyed with your favorite sides or sauces.

Key Advice for Meatball Casserole Parmesan Success

• Perfect Meatball Texture: Use a light touch when mixing ingredients to prevent dense, tough meatballs. Gently combine with fingertips or a fork, avoiding overmixing.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Replace standard breadcrumbs with seasoned Italian breadcrumbs for an extra punch of herbs and spices in your meatballs.
• Prevent Drying Out: Cover meatballs with aluminum foil during initial baking to retain moisture and ensure juicy, tender results.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-sensitive diet.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare meatballs in advance and freeze uncooked. When ready to serve, thaw and bake directly, maintaining fresh flavor and convenience.

How to Reheat and Save Meatball Casserole Parmesan

• Store leftover meatball casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating when the meatballs are steaming hot throughout.

Great Add-Ons for Meatball Casserole Parmesan

• Pair with a bold Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the hearty meatball flavors and cut through the richness.
• Toss a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a light, tangy contrast to the dense, savory casserole.
• Grill thick slices of rustic Italian bread brushed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and add textural crunch.
• Prepare a colorful medley of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add nutritious brightness and earthy undertones to the meal.

New Takes on Meatball Casserole Parmesan to Try

• Vegetarian Meatball Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or beyond meat crumbles. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for added dietary flexibility.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Version: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use flax egg instead of regular egg for vegan compatibility.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for celiac-friendly preparation.

Why Meatball Casserole Parmesan is Worth a Spot at Dinner

• Satisfy everyone's cravings with a cheesy, hearty dish that combines classic Italian flavors kids and adults will love.
• Create restaurant-quality meatballs with simple ingredients and basic kitchen skills, making it ideal for home cooks of all levels.
• Serve as a main course, pair with pasta or salad, or use leftovers for lunch, making this recipe a flexible meal solution for any day of the week.

Meatball Casserole Parmesan Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Irresistible Meatball Casserole Parmesan blends hearty Italian flavors with comfort food perfection. Melted cheese, savory meatballs, and rich marinara sauce create a delicious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 large egg

Cheese:

• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Other Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (25 g) breadcrumbs
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 12 ounces (340 g) cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti)
• 3 cups (720 milliliters) marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft uniform spherical portions from the meat mixture, ensuring consistent size for even cooking and appealing presentation.
2. Incorporate dry and liquid ingredients into the protein base, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious binding that will hold the spheres together during preparation.
3. Massage the meat blend gently, avoiding overworking which could result in dense, tough meatballs.
4. Arrange the formed meat spheres on a lined baking surface, maintaining slight separation to promote balanced heat circulation and browning.
5. Roast the meat portions in a preheated thermal environment, monitoring their transformation from raw to golden-brown and fully cooked.
6. Verify internal temperature reaches safe consumption levels, typically around 160°F, using a precision cooking thermometer.
7. Allow the roasted meat spheres to rest momentarily, enabling internal juices to redistribute and maintain moisture before incorporating into the casserole.
8. Layer the roasted protein portions in a ceramic or glass baking vessel, interspersing with complementary sauce and cheese components.
9. Return the assembled dish to the heated environment, allowing ingredients to meld and develop complex flavor profiles.
10. Remove from oven when cheese reaches a molten, slightly bubbling state and edges display a tempting golden-brown hue.
11. Permit the casserole to settle for several minutes, facilitating easier serving and allowing flavors to harmonize.

Notes

• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the casserole lighter.
• Add fresh chopped parsley or basil for an extra burst of herbal flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Test meatball doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 160°F to ensure food safety without overcooking.
• For gluten-free variation, swap traditional breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg