Instructions:
1. Prepare the Meatballs:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet or in a baking dish.
- 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:
- Cook Pasta: While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Garnish: Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.
- 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!