Meatball Casserole
Indulge in the heartwarming goodness of this meatball casserole, where juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and gooey cheese come together in a bubbling dish of joy. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but offers a delightful explosion of flavors that will warm your soul. With its golden-brown cheese topping and comforting aroma, this casserole feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 3 cups spaghetti or penne pasta
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup bread crumbs (preferably panko)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- Cook pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown ground beef and Italian sausage over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in marinara sauce, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning; simmer for 5 minutes.
- In the greased baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, half of the meat mixture, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat layers.
- Mix remaining mozzarella with bread crumbs and sprinkle on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg