Meatball Casserole

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (fresh or dried)
• 1 egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or homemade tomato sauce)
• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. Mix Meatball Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.

1. Form Meatballs:

• Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

1. Bake Meatballs:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole

1. Cook the Pasta:

• While the meatballs are baking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

1. Combine Ingredients:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and meatballs. Stir to coat everything evenly.

1. Assemble the Casserole:

• Transfer the pasta and meatball mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

1. Add Cheese:

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 3: Bake

1. Bake the Casserole:

• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Meatball Variation: For a different twist, try using turkey or chicken for the meatballs.
• Homemade Sauce: If you prefer homemade sauce, you can make a simple marinara with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and herbs.
• Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the pasta mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

This Meatball Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week!