Description
This warm and comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners and can be served with pasta or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs.
- Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes per batch. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
- Prepare the Casserole: In the same skillet, add chopped onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add marinara sauce and bring to a simmer.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Arrange the meatballs over the sauce. Pour the remaining sauce over the meatballs. If using, spoon dollops of ricotta cheese around the meatballs. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, incorporate Italian seasoning into the meatball mixture.
- Use a combination of ground beef and pork for extra moist meatballs.
- To enhance the richness, substitute part of the mozzarella with provolone cheese.
- For a lower-carb version, skip the ricotta and reduce the breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg