Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1/4 cup milk

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp dried basil

For the Casserole:

1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or ziti work well)

24 oz marinara sauce

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp dried basil

1/2 tsp dried oregano

Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large casserole dish.

Make the Meatballs:

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, parsley, milk, egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.

Cook the Pasta:

While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble the Casserole:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix well.

Spread half of the pasta mixture evenly in the greased casserole dish.

Arrange the baked meatballs on top of the pasta layer.

Cover the meatballs with the remaining pasta mixture.

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top. Sprinkle with dried basil and oregano.

Bake the Casserole:

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Meatball Casserole!

Enjoy your hearty and comforting Meatball Casserole!