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Cheesy Meatballs Casserole

A bubbling casserole featuring tender meatballs in marinara sauce, topped with gooey melted cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 1 pound ground beef Use Halal-approved beef.
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs You can opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Reserve for topping.
  • 1 whole egg
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Casserole
  • 1 jar marinara sauce
  • for garnish chopped parsley Optional, for garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  3. Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cooking
  1. Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until they are not pink in the center.
  2. Meanwhile, warm the marinara sauce in a saucepan over low heat.
  3. In a large baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce at the bottom. Place baked meatballs on top, then pour the remaining marinara over the meatballs. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  4. Place the assembled casserole back into the oven for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For a lighter version, consider using ground chicken or turkey. Monitor the meatballs while baking to ensure they remain juicy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.