Here’s a tasty recipe for a Meatball Casserole that combines savory meatballs with a flavorful sauce and melted cheese, all baked together for a comforting dish!
Ingredients:
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For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef, turkey, or chicken
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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For the Casserole:
- 1 jar (about 24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cooked pasta (such as penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Make the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
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Cook the Meatballs:
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked through, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
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Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and marinara sauce. Stir in the browned meatballs until everything is well coated.
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Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the pasta and meatball mixture into a greased 9x13-inch (or similar size) baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
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Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
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Garnish and Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips:
- You can add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach to the pasta mixture for extra nutrition.
- For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
Enjoy your delicious Meatball Casserole!