Old Fashioned Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Casserole
Savor the comforting flavors of tradition with this Old Fashioned Meatballs in Tomato Sauce Casserole recipe, a hearty and timeless dish perfect for family dinners or special gatherings. Juicy, tender meatballs made with a savory blend of ground beef, pork, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley are seared to perfection before being nestled into a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning. Topped generously with melty mozzarella cheese and baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Serve it with crusty bread or your favorite pasta for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress. Ideal for cozy weeknights or meal prep, this casserole brings classic comfort to your table with minimal effort.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef
- 0.5 pound Ground pork
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup Milk
- 1 large Egg
- 2 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 28 ounces Canned crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Granulated sugar
- 1.5 cups Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, minced garlic, parsley, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Roll the mixture into 1 to 1.5-inch meatballs and set them aside on a plate.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and sear them on all sides until browned (about 5 minutes per batch). Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for another minute, then add the canned crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Spread a small amount of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a large casserole dish. Add the meatballs to the dish and pour the remaining sauce over them.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the meatballs and sauce.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Garnish with fresh basil, if desired, and serve hot. Pair with crusty bread or pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3160 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 211.4 g | 271% | |
| Saturated Fat | 82.4 g | 412% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 882 mg | 294% | |
| Sodium | 6199 mg | 270% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 121.6 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.5 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 55.9 g | ||
| Protein | 208.3 g | 417% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 1950 mg | 150% | |
| Iron | 23.6 mg | 131% | |
| Potassium | 4630 mg | 99% | |
*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.
