This Cheesy Meatball Casserole is a hit at any dinner table, full of rich, hearty flavors that will make everyone come back for seconds.
It's made with juicy meatballs, a savory marinara sauce, and topped off with a layer of gooey, melted cheese.
I used my (new) white cast iron skillet to cook this meatball casserole, but you can use any 9x13 inch casserole dish.
This is a great low carb option and although I don't personally follow a Keto diet, I think this recipe would work for someone looking for a keto meatball casserole.
And if you just like savory beef and cheese recipes, you're going to love this dish, too.
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Why This Cheesy Meatball Casserole Recipe Works
EASY - This recipe uses simple steps. You just mix, roll, and bake. So even if you're new to cooking, you can do it!
TASTY & FILLING: The mix of beef, cheese, and sauce makes this dish really satisfying. It's a hearty meal that's sure to please.
Cheese! - The melty cheese on top isn't just tasty. It helps hold the meatballs in place. So each piece of the casserole has just the right amount of everything.
Ingredients
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
BEEF - It provides the main protein base for the meatballs. I recommend using very lean ground beef (I suggest 90/10 or if you can find it 96/4). Unlike other recipes with ground beef, we don't get to drain the excess fat, so if you use a casserole with a higher fat content, you'll have more grease mixed with the sauce. And as a bonus, you'll save a few calories. 🙂
BREADCRUMBS - These help bind the meatball mixture together and add texture. You can use traditional breadcrumbs. I prefer panko breadcrumbs because they produce a lighter, less dense meatball.
MILK - It adds moisture to the meatball mixture and keeps them tender.
PARMESAN - We'll use this both for the meatballs and the the cheese topping. This cheese adds a rich, savory, and nutty flavor. It helps to bind the meatballs and when sprinkling it with the Mozzarella it blends and melts well.
EGG - Acts as a binder, helping to hold the meatball mixture together.
ONION - Adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of the meatballs. Make sure to cut them very fine.
WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE - Contributes a tangy and savory flavor.
PARSLEY - Adds a fresh and mild herbal flavor.
MARINARA SAUCE - It provides a rich and tangy tomato base for serving the meatballs.
MOZZARELLA CHEESE - This cheese melts and becomes gooey, adding a delicious cheesy element to the dish.
Variations and Subsitutions
MEAT OPTIONS - You can switch up the ground beef for ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
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How To Make Cheesy Meatball Casserole
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Shape into meatballs.
- Place the meatballs in a baking dish and cover them with marinara sauce.
- Sprinkle Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake at 375ºF for 25-30 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
What To Serve With A Cheesy Meatball Casserole
PASTA - A little bit of spaghetti or your favorite pasta can make the meal even more hearty. It's like having spaghetti and meatballs!
MASHED POTATOES - These can go well with the meatballs. Plus, the sauce from the casserole can also add flavor to the potatoes.
RICE - A side of plain or flavored rice can also pair nicely. It can soak up the sauce and give you an extra filling side dish.
BREAD - This pairs well with the casserole. Use homemade bread to soak up the yummy sauce. Or if you like, you can also serve the casserole with fresh garlic bread.
VEGETABLES - Add steamed or roasted vegetable liks like broccoli & cauliflower or green beans to add some healthy goodness to your meal.
SALAD - A fresh salad with a zesty dressing, such as our Chopped Tomato Salad or German Cucumber Salad, can help balance out the rich flavors of the casserole.
Leftovers
STORE - Cool the casserole to room temperature, then put it in an airtight container with a tight lid. It can stay in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days.
FREEZE - To freeze, first let the casserole cool down. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months.
REHEAT - When you're ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight if it's frozen. Then, reheat in the oven at 350º Fahrenheit until it's hot all the way through. That's usually about 20 minutes if it's from the fridge or a little longer if it's from the freezer.
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Cheesy Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
MEATBALLS
- 1 pound ground beef lean, recommended 90/10 or 96/4
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup Parmesan
- ½ cup onion minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons parsley
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
SAUCE
- 24 ounces Marinara sauce
- 8 ounces Mozzarella shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375º Fahrenheit.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, milk, Parmesan, egg, onion, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Use a small cookie scoop to portion out the meatballs. Shape the mixture into meatballs and set aside.
- Pour half the marinara sauce into a baking dish. Arrange the meatballs evenly in a single layer on top of the sauce in the dish. Pour the rest of the marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle the Mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the meatballs are cooked through. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!