A comforting and hearty casserole featuring flavorful meatballs, your favorite sauce, and a cheesy topping. Perfect for a family dinner!
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plain or Italian seasoned)
- 1/4 cup milk or water
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Casserole:
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite pasta sauce (marinara, tomato, or a creamy sauce)
- 1 (16 ounce) package of pasta (penne, rotini, or your preference)
- 1 (8 ounce) package of shredded mozzarella cheese
- Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese.
- Optional: 1 onion, chopped
- Optional: 1 bell pepper, chopped
- Optional: 1 (15 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, drained.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, milk, egg, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until well combined.
- Form the mixture into small meatballs (about 1-inch in diameter).
- Optional: You can brown the meatballs in a skillet with a little oil before adding them to the casserole. This adds a nice depth of flavor. If you choose to bake them, they will cook within the casserole.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce (Optional):
- If you want to add vegetables, in the same skillet that you browned the meatballs in, or in a different skillet, saute the onion and bell pepper until softened. Add the canned diced tomatoes. Then add your jar of pasta sauce, and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large baking dish (9×13 inch), pour a thin layer of pasta sauce on the bottom.
- Add the cooked pasta, and then the meatballs.
- Pour the remaining pasta sauce over the pasta and meatballs, ensuring everything is well coated.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese (and any other optional cheeses) evenly over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based ground meat alternative or vegetarian meatballs.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or sauce for a little heat.
- Creamy Sauce: Use a creamy Alfredo or rosé sauce instead of marinara.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach into the sauce or layer them in the casserole.
- Layer it: Layer the pasta, sauce, meatballs, and cheese for a more defined casserole.
- Make ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed.
- Use different cheeses: Provolone, or a blend of Italian cheeses work well.
Enjoy your delicious meatball casserole!