Cheesy Meatball Casserole

This Cheesy Meatball Casserole, is a delicious, comforting family style dish. With its hearty meatballs, cheesy layers, and robust sauce, it's a crowd-pleaser that's perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings.

Course Pasta

Cuisine Italian

Keyword Casseroles, Family Dinner Ideas

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Servings -6 Servings

Calories 530kcal

Author Stormy

Ingredients

1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 medium Onion divided - one-half diced and one-half grated
2 small Carrots diced
2 medium Garlic Cloves minced
1 24.5- ounce bottle Passata or Tomato Puree
10 ounces small Macaroni such as Elbows Ditalini, or Small Shells
1 pound ground beef 80% lean
3 tablespoons Panko Breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 large Egg
½ teaspoon dried Oregano
½ teaspoon dried Basil
1 cup fresh Parsley roughly chopped, divided
1-½ cups shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Sea Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350° F and grease a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Warm olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Stir in passata and let it simmer for 6-8 minutes.
In a large pot, boil salted water and cook pasta al dente, about 2-3 minutes less than the package suggests.
Drain pasta and mix with one-third of the tomato sauce, then transfer it to the casserole dish.
In a bowl, mix ground beef, grated onion, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, oregano, basil, and half of the parsley. Season well with salt and pepper.
Mix the ingredients gently with your hands, just until combined. Form into 14-16 meatballs and place them over the pasta in the dish.
Top with the remaining tomato sauce and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden-brown.
Garnish with the remaining parsley and serve. Enjoy your Cheesy Meatball Casserole!

Notes

For the best texture and flavor in your meatballs, mix the ingredients gently and avoid overworking the mixture. This ensures they stay tender and juicy after baking.

Nutrition