Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Meatball Casserole—a mouthwatering combination of tender, homemade meatballs simmered in rich marinara sauce and smothered in gooey melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and Italian herbs, the meatballs are browned to perfection before baking, ensuring a juicy, flavorful bite every time. This easy-to-make casserole comes together in just one dish, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Garnished with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish, this hearty dish will have everyone reaching for seconds. Serve it with garlic bread or a crisp side salad, and you’ve got a dinner that’s as satisfying as it is simple. "Cheesy Meatball Casserole" is the perfect recipe for lovers of comfort food craving a cheesy, meaty, and utterly irresistible meal!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Shape the mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs, making approximately 18-20 meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, if necessary, and brown on all sides, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The meatballs do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage as they will finish cooking in the oven.
Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
In a 9x13-inch casserole dish, spread a cup of marinara sauce over the bottom. Place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce, then pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Calories |
3054 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.1 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 84.4 g | 422% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 781 mg | 260% | |
| Sodium | 7190 mg | 313% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 112.4 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.1 g | 32% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.4 g | ||
| Protein | 174.8 g | 350% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.1 mcg | 11% | |
| Calcium | 2289 mg | 176% | |
| Iron | 19.7 mg | 109% | |
| Potassium | 1267 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.