Name: BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or ziti); 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Hey y'all! If you're looking for the absolute BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole, you’ve come to the right place. This dish is bursting with juicy meatballs, gooey melted cheese, and rich marinara sauce layered together for the perfect comforting meal. It’s a total crowd-pleaser and ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

Incredibly easy to assemble with minimal prep time.
Loaded with gooey cheese and savory Italian flavors.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or potluck gatherings.
Customizable with your favorite meats or vegetarian swaps.
Leftovers reheat beautifully and make a great next-day lunch.

Ingredients for the BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

1.5 lbs ground beef (or turkey, pork, or a mix)
⅓ cup seasoned Italian breadcrumbs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
½ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought) [simple marinara recipe]
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded provolone cheese
2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Cooking spray or oil for greasing the baking dish

Directions: BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, egg, milk, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Mix by hand or with a spoon until fully combined and moist, but not overworked.
Shape mixture into 1 ¼-inch meatballs (about 22-24).
Place meatballs on a lined or greased baking sheet, and bake for 15 minutes until almost cooked through (they can finish cooking in the casserole).

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Reduce oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of the dish.
Place baked meatballs evenly in the sauce.
Top with remaining marinara sauce, then sprinkle on mozzarella and provolone cheeses.

Step 3: Bake and Finish

Bake uncovered for 22-25 minutes, until cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes for BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

For extra flavor, brown meatballs in a skillet before baking. See meatball tips here.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and creamy texture.
Swap in jarred low-sugar marinara for a lighter option. Learn more at EatingWell: Are Tomatoes Good For You?

Variations for the BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

Chicken Parm Casserole: Use ground chicken and add a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
Vegetarian Option: Swap homemade or frozen veggie meatballs and use plant-based cheese.
Spicy Meatball Bake: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes in the meatball mixture and use spicy arrabbiata sauce.

Required Equipment for the BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet (for meatballs)
9x13-inch casserole/baking dish
Oven
Measuring cups and spoons
Mixing spoon or hands

Storage Instructions for BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

Let casserole cool completely.
Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze wrapped tightly for up to 3 months; thaw before reheating at 350°F until warmed through.

Serving Recommendations for BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

Serve hot with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or over cooked spaghetti noodles for a heartier meal.
Pair with roasted vegetables for a colorful plate.
Great for casual dinners or as a star at potlucks.

Pro Tips for the BEST RECIPE For Meatball Casserole

Use 80/20 beef for juicier, tender meatballs. Read more about making perfect meatballs.
Let the casserole rest after baking—this makes portioning and serving cleaner and easier.
Sneak in chopped spinach or zucchini in the meatball mix for added veggies.