Description
This hearty Meatball Casserole recipe combines juicy homemade beef meatballs baked to perfection and smothered in rich marinara sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Served over cooked spaghetti, it’s a comforting Italian-inspired dish perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large egg
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Sauce and Cheese Topping
- 24 ounces marinara sauce (1 jar)
- 8 ounces freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve
- 1 pound cooked spaghetti (about 1 box)
- Freshly minced parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Combine Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, egg, breadcrumbs, dried minced onions, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 3-inch meatballs and arrange them in a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Bake Meatballs: Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes to cook through.
- Add Marinara Sauce: Remove the baking pan from the oven and pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs; gently stir to coat them in the sauce.
- Lower and Continue Baking: Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (150°C) and bake the meatballs with sauce for an additional 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese around the meatballs and grated Parmesan cheese on top, then bake for 10 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti. Garnish with freshly minced parsley if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use fresh or store-bought Italian seasoning for authentic flavor.
- Baking meatballs in sauce keeps them moist and enhances flavor.
- Allow the meatballs to rest a few minutes before serving for better texture.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions; do not overcook.
- Optional parsley garnish adds color and freshness.
