Description
Meatball Casserole is a hearty, oven-baked comfort food dish combining juicy meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes, marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef or 18-20 store-bought meatballs
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups marinara or tomato sauce
- 3 cups prepared mashed potatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If using raw ground beef, mix with breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In a casserole dish, spread mashed potatoes evenly across the bottom.
- Pour half the marinara sauce over the mashed potatoes.
- Arrange the meatballs over the sauce.
- Pour remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use store-bought meatballs or instant mashed potatoes for convenience.
- Add crushed red pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Include vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.
- Freeze before or after baking for easy future meals.
- Reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg