A hearty and comforting dish with juicy meatballs in a creamy tomato sauce, topped with a layer of cheesy goodness.
Ingredients:
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mixture of beef and pork)
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Sauce:
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (undiluted)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
- Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, egg, milk, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well with your hands until thoroughly combined.
- Form Meatballs: Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
- Brown Meatballs: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and cream of mushroom soup. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour half of the sauce into a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange the browned meatballs in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole stand for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips & Variations:
- Add vegetables: Include chopped vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to the meatball mixture for extra nutrition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat.
- Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as provolone, cheddar, or Parmesan.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce ahead of time and assemble the casserole just before baking.
Enjoy your delicious Meatball Casserole!