Description
A comforting and flavorful Meatballs Parmesan Casserole that combines tender, juicy meatballs with layers of marinara sauce and gooey cheese. Perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meatballs:
- 3 slices white bread, crusts removed, diced
- 1/2 cup cold milk, or water, plus more if needed
- 1 lb lean ground beef, 80/20 or 85/15
- 1 lb ground pork, 80/20
- 1/2 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 large egg
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped, plus more to garnish
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Oil for frying
Assembly:
- 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 6 oz
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400F with a rack in the center of the oven.
- Prepare meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, soak diced bread in milk/water, then add ground beef, pork, half of parmesan, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into meatballs.
- Cook meatballs: Brown meatballs in a skillet. Place 1 cup marinara in a casserole dish, add meatballs, top with remaining marinara, parmesan, and mozzarella. Bake covered for about 30 minutes.
Notes
- Shortcut: You can use store-bought Italian-flavored meatballs for convenience.
- Make-Ahead: Casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated or frozen for later use. Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 meatballs
- Calories: 693
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1752mg
- Fat: 46g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 193mg
