Looking for the perfect way to make Cheesy Meatball Casserole? This step-by-step guide will help you create a rich, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners! Combining juicy beef and pork meatballs with flavorful marinara sauce and loads of melted cheese, this casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and bakes to golden perfection in under an hour. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this Cheesy Meatball Casserole will quickly become a household favorite. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Meatball Casserole
🧀 Extra Cheesy: Loaded with mozzarella and parmesan for the ultimate gooey texture.
🍽️ Easy to Make: Simple steps with minimal prep time.
💡 Customizable: Swap ingredients for dietary preferences.
🏡 Family Favorite: A hearty, comforting dish everyone will love!
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this mouthwatering casserole:
🥩 Meatballs:
🥩 1 lb ground beef
🐖 1 lb ground pork
🧄 2 tsp garlic powder
🧅 2 tsp onion powder
🌿 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
🥚 1 large egg
🧂 1 tsp salt & 1 tsp black pepper
🧀 ½ cup mozzarella cheese
🧀 ½ cup parmesan cheese
🍅 Casserole Base:
🍅 2 cups marinara sauce (Classico 4 Cheese or your favorite brand)
🧀 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
🧀 ½ cup parmesan cheese
🌿 Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
🛍 Ingredient Swaps & Variations:
- Keto-Friendly? Swap marinara sauce with a low-carb version.
- Dairy-Free? Use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-Free? Ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Meatballs
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, egg, salt, black pepper, mozzarella, and parmesan.
Mix everything well using your hands, but be careful not to overmix—this keeps the meatballs tender!
Use an ice cream scoop to portion the meat evenly (about 12-14 meatballs).
Wet your hands with water to make rolling easier, then shape the meatballs.
2️⃣ Bake the Meatballs
Place the rolled meatballs in a greased casserole dish.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove from the oven and drain the excess grease.
3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole
Pour 2 cups of marinara sauce over the meatballs (add more if needed).
Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
4️⃣ Melt & Serve
Place the dish back into the oven and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
🔥 Pro Tip: For an extra crispy top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Pro Tips & Variations
Want it Spicier? Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
More Flavor? Try adding sautéed onions and fresh garlic to the meatball mixture.
Different Cooking Methods:
Air Fryer: Cook meatballs at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
Slow Cooker: Cook meatballs in marinara sauce on low for 4-5 hours.
Try our Crockpot Pizza Casserole Recipe for another casserole delight! 💡
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storing Leftovers:
🏠 Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
❄️ Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Best Reheating Methods:
🔥 Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
🔥 Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
🔥 Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
🔗 For More Casserole Recipes You’ll Love! Visit 50 Best Casserole Recipes & Ideas – Food Network
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare and assemble the casserole in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: What’s the best meat substitute for a healthier version?
A: You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork for a leaner option.
Q: Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
A: Absolutely! A fresh, homemade marinara will make this dish even better.
Recipe Card (Structured Data)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: ~450 per serving
⭐ Star Rating: ★★★★★ (Leave a review!)
