Description
Discover the delicious simplicity of the Dump-and-Bake Meatball Casserole, an easy one-pot meal that combines savory meatballs, rich tomato sauce, and melty cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hearty casserole requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) of ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup of bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. Form mixture into 1.5-inch meatballs and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over meatballs, ensuring they are coated. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Add extra Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until meatballs are cooked and cheese is bubbly and golden. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes for a crispy top if preferred.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for enhanced flavor.
- Avoid overmixing to keep meatballs tender.
- You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- For gluten-free, replace bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms inside the meatballs for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup)
- Calories: 350 Kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg