Meatball Casserole

Creating a meatball casserole is a delicious and hearty meal. Here’s a simple recipe for a classic meatball casserole:

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
• 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Make the Meatballs:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Form the mixture into meatballs, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

3. Brown the Meatballs:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the meatballs on all sides until cooked through. You can also bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes.

4. Assemble the Casserole:

1. In a baking dish, spread half of the cooked pasta.
2. Place the cooked meatballs on top of the pasta.
3. Pour marinara sauce over the meatballs.
4. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly over the top.

5. Bake:

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Garnish and Serve:

1. Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
3. Serve the meatball casserole hot, and enjoy!

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables or your favorite herbs and spices. It’s a versatile dish that you can adapt to suit your taste preferences.