Welcome to a delightful culinary experience with our Easy Meatball Casserole recipe! This hearty dish features tender, juicy meatballs, a rich tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting meal everyone will love. Not only is it incredibly delicious, but also it’s easy enough for both beginners and experienced cooks to master. In fact, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights because it requires minimal effort. As a result, it’s an excellent go-to recipe when you need a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Additionally, the combination of flavors makes every bite irresistible. Most importantly, it’s a meal the whole family can enjoy.
Interestingly, meatball casseroles have a history rooted in Italian-American cuisine. Originally, this dish was created as a way to use up leftover ingredients while still making a flavorful and filling meal. Over time, it has evolved into a beloved comfort food enjoyed across the country. Not to mention, the blend of pasta, cheese, and savory meatballs makes it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Furthermore, it’s a dish that brings people together, making it perfect for family dinners. Because of this, it’s always a great choice when you need a warm, hearty meal.
Ultimately, this recipe is a fantastic way to bring warmth and joy to your dinner table. So, why wait? Gather your ingredients right now and get ready to enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
INGREDIENTS
1 lb ground beef
1/2 lb ground pork
12 oz pasta (rigatoni or penne)
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 x 28 oz crushed tomatoes
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1 large egg
1 medium onion, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
1 tsp sugar (optional)
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready for baking.
2. Mix Meat: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, ground pork, egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper; mix just until incorporated for tender, flavorful meatballs.
3. Form Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, 1-inch meatballs and set them aside; this size ensures even cooking and a delightful bite.
4. Brown Meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add the meatballs and brown them on all sides for about 5–7 minutes. Cook until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety. Then, remove and keep warm to lock in the juices.
5. Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent (about 3 minutes), then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant for an aromatic base.
6. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the sugar and red pepper flakes (if using); allow the sauce to simmer for 10 minutes while stirring occasionally, creating a rich, well-blended flavor.
7. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain thoroughly so it absorbs the delicious sauce later.
8. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the browned meatballs and pasta into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring every piece is well coated for maximum taste.
9. Assemble, Bake & Garnish: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake for 20–25 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Garnish with chopped basil before serving for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
Browning Perfection: Ensure you brown the meatballs evenly; in addition, this crucial step locks in the juices and enhances the rich, savory flavor. As a result, your casserole will turn out incredibly juicy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious.
Saucy Goodness: Allow the tomato sauce to simmer for at least 10 minutes; consequently, the flavors will meld beautifully, creating a deeper, more intense savory taste. Moreover, this step allows the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring it coats the meatballs and pasta perfectly.
Pasta Precision: Cook the pasta until al dente so it perfectly absorbs the sauce; furthermore, this technique guarantees a balanced texture and optimum flavor. Additionally, avoiding overcooked pasta prevents a mushy casserole, making every bite a truly delightful experience.
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