Easy Meatball Casserole Recipe
Calling all meat lovers, this one’s for you! And if you like cheese, even better. This is an easy, family favorite casserole recipe that’s sure to please picky eaters of all ages! That’s because this meatball casserole is comfort food at its finest, complete with homemade all-beef seasoned meatballs that are baked to golden perfection. They’re tender, juicy, and just begging to be devoured. After baking the meatballs for 15 minutes, transfer them to a casserole dish, top them with marinara sauce and add so much luscious cheese. When it comes to cheese, I am a firm believer that more is definitely better! I use a mixture of mozzarella to give the ooey-gooey cheese pull effect along with Parmesan which adds sharper flavor. After adding the cheese, your protein-rich meatball casserole only needs about 10-15 minutes in the oven to make sure the cheese melts to perfection. Even though this recipe may seem a little complicated, it’s not! And you can have it ready from start to finish in 1 hour.
Ingredients in Meatball and Cheese Casserole
To make the homemade meatballs you’ll need: And at that point, you’re doing some simple ‘assembly of ingredients’ which makes this cheese and meatball casserole a great comfort food dinner that’s very approachable, even on busy weeknights. For the casserole assembly, you’ll want to have on hand:
Marinara sauce Shredded mozzarella cheese Shredded or grated Parmesan cheese Fresh basil or parsley, optional for garnishing
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How To Make Homemade Meatball Casserole
Here is an overview of how to make a cheesy meatball casserole. I’ve also seen this called a keto meatball casserole since it’s pretty low carb. Consult the recipe card for full instructions. If you want to make it in advance, make sure to see the tip box below. Make sure to see the video in the recipe card section below! 🎥
More Easy Meatball Recipes:
Baked Italian Meatballs — Ready in just 30 minutes, these quick and EASY baked meatballs come out perfectly moist and tender every time! There’s no need to brown the meatballs before baking, which cuts back on dishes and saves time! These are the BEST Italian meatballs for spaghetti, subs, casseroles, and more! 2. You can also get it to the point where you do bake off the meatballs, but stop there. Place them in your baking or casserole dish, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 48 hours. And then when you’re ready, finish the dish by adding the tomato sauce, cheese, and baking it until done. In the Freezer: This recipe will keep airtight in the freezer for up to 3 months. Technically, you can also freeze an unbaked/raw casserole however this implies you have room in your freezer for a large casserole dish that can lay flat with everything inside it and not tip, which is impractical for most of us. So it’s easier to freeze individual portions of the baked casserole. To Reheat: I use my microwave for quickness and ease and reheat my leftovers for about 30 seconds on high, or as needed. But you can use your oven, whatever is best suited for you. Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Cheesy Gnocchi and Meatballs — True Italian comfort food with these beef and pork homemade meatballs along with pillowy gnocchi. Everything is covered in homemade tomato sauce , smothered with cheese, and baked! Easier than it looks, and an instant family favorite that everyone will beg you to make again! Spaghetti and Meatballs — A family favorite recipe that never goes out of style! Made with homemade beef and pork baked meatballs, homemade marinara sauce, and perfectly cooked al dente spaghetti, this Italian classic is sure to get rave reviews! Not only do they taste FABULOUS but both homemade meatballs and homemade marinara are FASTER and EASIER than you may think! Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs — EASY homemade chicken meatballs that simmer in buffalo wing sauce, seasonings, and spices in your slow cooker! Juicy and full of all the flavor of traditional buffalo chicken wings, minus the messy factor! Great for game day parties, holidays, graduations, or anytime you need an appetizer that kids and adults alike just adore! Baked Honey Garlic Meatballs — These honey garlic meatballs are easy, can be prepped in advance, and hold well at room temp. They’re juicy, tender, and the honey garlic sauce gives them so much flavor! Slow Cooker Hawaiian Meatballs — The EASIEST slow cooker meatball recipe that’s sure to be a hit at parties and events! Or turn this into a no-fuss weeknight meal and serve these pineapple-infused Hawaiian meatballs over rice! Made with only 6 ingredients so you can just set your slow cooker and let it do all the work! Slow Cooker Grape Jelly Meatballs — The EASIEST holiday appetizer that’s made with just 3 INGREDIENTS! People adore these saucy meatballs loaded with FLAVOR! A perfect appetizer for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s celebrations and holiday parties. Or make them for your next tailgating or game day party! Mexican Beef Meatballs with Tomato Avocado Salad — They’re coated in enchilada sauce and are loaded with Mexican-inspired flavors!! Great for busy weeknight dinners or easy-breezy entertaining!! Tex Mex Meatballs — Tender, juicy homemade beef and pork meatballs with just the right amount of spicy kick! Simmered in chipotle enchilada sauce and smothered with melted cheese, this EASY meatball recipe will become a weeknight family dinner favorite. Or make them as a game day or party appetizer recipe!
Firecracker Air Fryer Chicken Meatballs — Lightly crisped on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, these homemade meatballs are air fried and then coated in a sweet-with-tangy-heat firecracker sauce with the perfect amount of heat! Red Curry Meatballs — Indian-spiced beef meatballs are simmered in a homemade red curry sauce that’s perfectly spicy, savory, and so comforting especially when served over a bed of basmati rice! Learn how to recreate this ethnic dish that’ll IMPRESS your family and friends and have everyone begging for more!
