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To make this meatball casserole, gather these key items: - 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, and yellow) - 1/2 cup sliced black olives - Fresh parsley for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a flavorful and hearty dish. The ground beef and turkey provide richness, while the cheeses add creaminess. The marinara sauce brings acidity and depth. You can add more ingredients to boost the taste. Consider these options: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1/4 cup chopped onions for sweetness - Fresh basil leaves for freshness - Zucchini or mushrooms for added veggies These optional ingredients make the dish unique and tailored to your taste. Feel free to mix in what you love! Each serving of this meatball casserole offers a good mix of nutrients. Here's a quick breakdown: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 15g - Fiber: 2g This casserole is not only filling, but it also provides a well-rounded meal. The protein comes from the meats and cheese, while the veggies add fiber. Enjoy this tasty dish knowing it nourishes your body! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, mix these items: - 1 lb ground beef - 1/2 lb ground turkey - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper to taste Mix all these ingredients until they are just combined. This step is key. You want the flavors to meld but not overwork the meat. Next, roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now, it's time to bake! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, put your meatballs in the oven. Bake them for about 20 minutes. They should be browned and cooked through. This baking time ensures they stay juicy inside. While the meatballs bake, chop your bell peppers and olives. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and black olives. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they soften. In a large casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Then, layer the baked meatballs over the sauce. Next, add the sautéed peppers and olives on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over everything. Now for the best part: sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for another 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for 10-15 more minutes. This lets the cheese get bubbly and golden. When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty comfort food! To keep your meatballs moist, use a mix of meats. I like to use 1 lb of ground beef and 1/2 lb of ground turkey. This blend gives flavor and juiciness. Adding grated Parmesan cheese also helps with moisture. Make sure to mix your ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. A large egg adds binding and moisture too. Bake them until they are just cooked for the best texture. For cheese that melts nicely, use shredded mozzarella. Spread it evenly over the casserole. Cover the dish with foil while baking to trap heat. This helps the cheese melt without burning. Remove the foil in the last 10-15 minutes. This allows the cheese to bubble and get golden. The goal is a nice, gooey layer on top. Herbs and spices can elevate your casserole. I recommend using dried oregano and basil for classic Italian flavor. These add warmth and depth. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste; they balance the dish. Fresh parsley as a garnish adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for new tastes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil and parsley can elevate the flavor of your casserole. Add them just before serving for the best taste. Experiment with Meat: Feel free to mix and match different types of ground meat for added flavor, such as pork or chicken, to suit your taste. Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sautéed vegetables a day in advance. Just assemble the casserole and bake when you’re ready to eat. Customize Vegetables: Add other vegetables like zucchini or spinach to sneak in more nutrients and flavor. Just sauté them along with the bell peppers. {{image_2}} You can switch up the proteins in your meatball casserole. Ground turkey works well if you want a lighter dish. Ground chicken is another good option for a milder flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, try using lentils or chickpeas. Just mash them well and mix with your seasonings. This way, you can still enjoy a tasty casserole while keeping your diet in check. Cheese adds creaminess and flavor to your casserole. You can use mozzarella, but other cheeses work too. Try cheddar for a sharper taste or gouda for a smoky flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, look for plant-based cheeses. Nutritional yeast can also give a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. Vegetables can enhance the taste of your casserole. While bell peppers and olives are great, feel free to add others. Zucchini or spinach can add color and nutrients. If you like a bit of heat, try adding jalapeños. Roasting your veggies first can bring out their sweetness. Experimenting with different vegetables can make each casserole unique and exciting. To keep your meatball casserole fresh, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat leftovers, reheat them in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 20 minutes or until it’s warm all the way through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven gives better results. To freeze meatball casserole, first, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. You can use oats or cooked rice instead of breadcrumbs. Both give meatballs a nice texture. You can also use mashed potatoes for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the moisture level. If you use oats, soak them in milk first. This helps them blend better. Yes, using store-bought meatballs is easy and saves time. Look for high-quality meatballs with good flavor. You can follow the same steps in the recipe. Just skip making the meatballs from scratch. Bake them as directed, then mix with the sauce and veggies. You can pair meatball casserole with simple sides like salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad adds crunch and brightness. Garlic bread soaks up the sauce well and adds flavor. You can also serve it with steamed veggies. This gives a nice balance to the meal. This blog post covered everything you need for a delicious meatball casserole. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step prep, and tips for the best taste. Remember to try different proteins and cheese to make it your own. Store leftovers properly and reheat for great meals later. With these ideas, you can create a tasty dish your family will love! Enjoy making your own special version and happy cooking!

Savory Meatball Casserole

A delicious and hearty casserole featuring savory meatballs, marinara sauce, and melted cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 0.5 lb ground turkey
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup chopped bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
  • 0.5 cup sliced black olives
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined.
  • Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
  • While the meatballs are baking, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers and black olives, sautéing them for about 5 minutes until they are slightly softened.
  • In a large casserole dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add the baked meatballs evenly over the sauce, then layer the sautéed peppers and olives on top. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs and vegetables.
  • Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
  • Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preference.
Keyword casserole, comfort food, meatballs