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Mozzarella Meatball Casserole

Author: Rosvitha

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

  • 2 pounds extra-lean ground beef 90-93% lean recommended
  • 1 small yellow or white onion finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ cup Italian or seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adjust to taste
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for a touch of heat

For the Casserole:

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated or finely shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Meatballs:

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and spray with cooking spray (or just spray the baking sheet directly).
  • In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients. Gently mix everything together using clean hands or a wooden spoon. Pro tip: Don't overmix the meat mixture, as this can make your meatballs tougher.
  • Use a medium-sized scoop (about 1 to 2 tablespoons) to form approximately 32 meatballs.
  • Arrange the meatballs evenly on the prepared baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked. Baking Tip: Since the meatballs are small, they should be done in around 15 minutes. If your meatballs are a bit bigger, they may need up to 20 minutes, so keep an eye on them until they're perfectly cooked.

Casserole:

  • Spray a 2.5 to 3-quart casserole dish (or a 9x13-inch pan) with cooking spray, and add the cooked meatballs. Make-Ahead Tip: If you're prepping ahead, this is the ideal stopping point. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate for up to 48 hours before finishing the rest of the recipe.
  • Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the meatballs.
  • Sprinkle both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top.
  • Bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and turns a light golden brown.
  • For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs before serving.