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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix Meatball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
  3. Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
  4. Bake Meatballs: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through and browned on the outside. Remove from the oven and set aside.

2. Prepare the Casserole:

  1. Cook Pasta: While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the marinara sauce. If using ricotta cheese, mix it in with the pasta and sauce. Stir in the cooked meatballs.
  3. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture to a baking dish (about 9×13 inches). Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Add the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mozzarella. If using, sprinkle with dried basil and oregano.
  4. Bake Casserole: Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.

3. Garnish and Serve:

  1. Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
  2. Serve: Scoop out portions and serve hot.

Tips:

  • Meatball Variations: Feel free to use pre-cooked meatballs for a quicker option. You can also make the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them for future use.
  • Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, for a different flavor profile.
  • Veggies: Add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the pasta mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

Enjoy your hearty and cheesy Meatball Casserole!

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