Meatball Casserole π
Description:
This Meatball Casserole recipe is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for those cozy family dinners. You can use your own favorite marinara sauce for this recipe, or follow along with one of our suggested recipes for a flavorful twist! Cooking time here doesn’t include making the meatballs, and if you prefer a thicker sauce, simply omit the water from the ingredients. Let’s dive into creating this delicious meal!
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 2 lbs | Ground Beef |
| 1 Recipe | Kittencal’s Italian Melt-In-Your-Mouth Meatballs |
| 1 package (8 oz) | Cream Cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Mayonnaise |
| 1/2 tsp | Pepper |
| 1/2 tsp | Dry Basil (optional) |
| 1 package (8 oz) | Shredded Mozzarella Cheese |
| 1/3 cup | Water |
| 1 clove | Garlic |
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 946.9
- Fat: 60.1g
- Saturated Fat: 26.4g
- Cholesterol: 193.7mg
- Sodium: 1696mg
- Carbohydrates: 48.8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15.3g
- Protein: 50.9g
Instructions:
-
Preparation:
- Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Grease a 13×9 inch casserole dish, ensuring the deliciousness won’t stick!
-
-
Bake the Meatballs:
- Bake your prepared meatballs on a shallow rack for 15-20 minutes, letting them get beautifully golden and cooked through.
-
Layering the Casserole:
- Now, arrange your bread slices in a single, comforting layer at the bottom of your casserole dish. Don’t worry if you don’t use all the bread; we’re going for taste, not perfection!
-
Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayo, pepper, and a pinch of dry basil if you’re feeling extra fancy. Blend until creamy and spread this deliciousness over the bread slices.
-
Cheesy Goodness:
- Sprinkle just a little more than half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the creamy layer, creating a cheesy embrace for our meatball heroes.
-
Saucy Magic:
- In another bowl, mix your chosen marinara sauce, water, and crushed garlic. Add in your baked meatballs, letting them bathe in this saucy goodness.
-
Final Touches:
- Pour this delightful sauce and meatball mixture over the creamy, cheesy layers in the casserole dish, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated with flavor.
-
More Cheese, Please:
- Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over the top, creating that perfect golden-brown, cheesy crust we all love.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Pop your casserole, uncovered, into the preheated oven.
- Bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the entire concoction is heated through, the cheese is beautifully melted, and your kitchen is filled with the irresistible aroma of comfort.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Carefully remove your Meatball Casserole from the oven, letting it cool for a few minutes.
- Serve up generous portions to your eagerly awaiting family or guests, watching their faces light up with joy at the sight and smell of this comforting dish.
-
Extra Tips and Variations:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this casserole ahead of time, storing it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes beautifully. Simply assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover well, and freeze. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as instructed.
- Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian version, swap out the ground beef with your favorite meat alternative or a mix of hearty vegetables.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeΓ±os for those who love a bit of heat.
- Garnish Galore: Finish off your masterpiece with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness and color.
This Meatball Casserole is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, saucy, and meaty goodness, sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a gathering with loved ones, this dish brings comfort and joy to the table. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s create culinary magic together! ππ
