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Cheesy Meatball Casserole

A hearty, comforting casserole loaded with tender homemade beef and pork meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and a thick, bubbly layer of melted mozzarella cheese.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, Italian-American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meatballs
  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup whole milk
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
Assembly
  • 3 cups marinara sauce good quality jarred or homemade
  • 3 cups mozzarella cheese freshly shredded from a block
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese for topping

Equipment

  • 9x13 Baking Dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet (optional for searing)
  • Box grater

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  2. Mix breadcrumbs and milk in a small bowl; let soak for 5 minutes.
  3. In a large bowl, combine eggs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, spices, beef, pork, and the breadcrumb mixture. Mix gently with hands until just combined.
  4. Form mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. (Optional: Sear them in a hot skillet for 2-3 mins per side until browned).
  5. Spread 1 cup of marinara in the baking dish. Arrange meatballs on top, then cover with remaining sauce.
  6. Top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow sauce to set.

Notes

For the best cheese melt and stretch, avoid pre-shredded cheese and grate your own block of whole-milk mozzarella.