Meatball Casserole Recipe
Meatball casserole is a classic comfort food that many people enjoy. It's perfect for a family dinner or for when you're entertaining guests. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to fit your taste preferences. In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need to make the best meatball casserole. From the ingredients to the instructions, we've got you covered.
Recipes Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Recipe Category: Main Dish
- Recipe Cuisine: Italian
- Aggregate Rating: 4.8
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 8 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add crushed tomatoes and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add meatballs to the skillet and simmer for 10 minutes more.
- Stir in fresh basil.
- Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Table
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 750mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Protein | 29g |
Recipes FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of meat in this recipe?
- A: Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
- A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to bake it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
- Q: Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
- A: Yes, you can use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes. Just be sure to adjust the amount of water you add accordingly.
- Q: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
- A: Yes, you can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the sauce.
- Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can make the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and refrigerate them separately. Then, when you're ready to bake the casserole, just assemble it and bake as directed.
Recipes Tips
If you want to make this recipe even easier, you can use pre-made meatballs instead of making your own. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
For a more flavorful casserole, you can add some Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried basil instead. Just use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil instead of 1/4 cup of fresh.