A Meatball Casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that combines meatballs with pasta, cheese, and a savory sauce. It’s perfect for a family dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a straightforward recipe for a classic Meatball Casserole:
Meatball Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional, for extra flavor)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (for garnish, optional)