If you love an easy and fulfilling meal, then you are going to love this easy meatball casserole recipe.
Loaded with flavor and texture, this one pen meatball casserole is just the ticket when you want a hearty and comforting meal.
From making your own meatballs to crafting your own marinara from scratch, today, we walk you through all the steps to creating your own homemade meatball casserole successfully. So keep reading to find out all the tips and tricks involved in making this simple casserole.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This easy meatball casserole recipe is perfect because it's easy to make, adaptable, and an incredibly versatile meal.
Using simple ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen, this one pen meatball casserole can be hot and ready to eat in 35 minutes. When you're on a time crunch or simply don't want to spend all day in the kitchen cooking, casseroles like this cheesy meatball casserole can be a lifesaver. And because it's all cooked in the same skillet, it makes cleanup easy as well.
Additionally, this dump and bake meatball casserole recipe is very easy to adapt to your personal taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you want to swap the mozzarella for a plant-based cheese or simply kick the flavoring of your meatballs up a notch by adding paprika and red chili flakes, this recipe makes it easy to flex your culinary creativity.
Furthermore, there are a number of side dishes that pair really well with this meatball casserole. Pair it with some bread and mashed potatoes to soak up the tasty sauce, or keep it a little lighter by serving this easy meatball casserole with a fresh and light salad.
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
Ground beef is commonly used in a meatball casserole recipe for its rich flavor and juicy texture. It provides a hearty base for the meatballs, contributing to their savory profile. Alternatively, you can use ground pork, turkey, chicken, or a combination of meats to create meatballs with varying flavors and textures. For meatless alternatives, consider using plant-based ingredients such as lentils, mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh.
Onion:
Onion is used in this recipe to add flavor, moisture, and texture to the meatballs, enhancing their overall taste. It also helps bind the ingredients together. Shallots or leeks can serve as alternatives, providing a similar flavor profile. Alternatively, you can use onion powder or grated vegetables such as carrots or zucchini for added moisture and flavor without the texture of diced onion.
Panko:
Panko breadcrumbs are used in this recipe for meatball casserole because they absorb less oil than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter, crispier meatball. Alternatively, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even finely ground oats as substitutes for panko.
Seasonings:
In addition to salt, pepper, garlic, and parsley, you can experiment with various other seasonings to customize the flavor profile of your meatball casserole. Consider adding dried herbs such as oregano, basil, or thyme for an Italian-inspired twist, while smoked paprika or chili powder can add a subtle smokiness or a hint of heat to this easy recipe.
Butter:
Butter is used to cook the meatballs in this recipe because of its rich flavor and ability to impart a golden, caramelized crust. Alternatively, olive oil or vegetable oil can be substituted for butter, providing a similar cooking medium while accommodating dietary preferences or restrictions.
Worcestershire Sauce:
Worcestershire sauce, with its tangy, savory flavor profile, adds depth and complexity to this delicious meatball casserole. Soy sauce or tamari can provide a similar umami-rich flavor, while balsamic vinegar adds acidity and depth. Alternatively, mushroom or vegetable broth can be used to add depth of flavor without the Worcestershire sauce.
Marinara Sauce:
Use your favorite brand of marinara sauce in this recipe to save you some time and effort in the kitchen. However, if you want to make the entire dish from scratch, you can also make your own marinara sauce to add freshness and flavor to your meal. Simply heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in crushed tomatoes and stir to combine. Add dried oregano, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir well. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
Cheese:
Some shredded mozzarella cheese adds depth and richness to the dish, complementing the savory meatballs and tangy sauce. Parmesan, or a blend of Italian cheeses, can also be used in this one pen meatball casserole recipe. For dairy-free options, consider using vegan cheese alternatives made from soy, nuts, or tapioca, which can provide a similar texture and flavor profile.
How to Make a Meatball Casserole
Step One:
Combine ground beef, onion, panko, eggs, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl and stir to combine.
Step Two:
Add butter to melt in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Step Three:
Once the skillet is hot, form your ground beef mixture into meatballs, using 2 tablespoons of meat for each one. Carefully place your meatballs in the skillet, evenly spaced, to ensure even cooking.
Step Four:
Cook the meatballs for 1-2 minutes until browned on each side.
Step Five:
Combine garlic and Worcestershire sauce and add to the browned meatballs.
Step Six:
Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
Step Seven:
Sprinkle cheese on top and put the whole skillet in the oven to bake at 360F for 15-20 minutes.
Step Eight:
Serve with fresh chopped herbs, and enjoy!
Tips
- Prepare your meatballs and sauce ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. If you're planning to make a larger batch, you can even freeze the meatballs for later use.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning and to ensure the meatballs cook through evenly.
- Allow the meatball casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
What to Serve With a Meatball Casserole
To enhance the meal's flavors and provide a satisfying balance, your homemade meatball casserole can be paired with a number of complimentary side dishes. Consider serving it alongside a crisp garden salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, opt for garlic bread to soak up the savory sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, offer a nutritious addition. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or al dente pasta make for comforting accompaniments, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. However, homemade meatballs typically have better flavor and texture. If using frozen meatballs, make sure they are fully cooked before adding them to the casserole.
Can I add vegetables to my homemade meatball casserole?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the casserole. Just make sure to sauté or cook the vegetables before adding them to the casserole to ensure they are tender.
How long can leftover meatball casserole be kept fresh?
Leftover meatball casserole can be kept fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer-term storage, you can store your leftover meatball casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Similar Recipes
Meal time doesn't get any faster or easier than a quick and hearty casserole. Check out this curated collection of some of our favorite casseroles to help inspire you at mealtime.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Meatball Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- ½ cup white onion diced
- ½ cup panko
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 24 ounces marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, onion, panko, eggs, salt, pepper, and parsley in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Add butter to melt in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, form your ground beef mixture into meatballs, using 2 tablespoons of meat for each one. Carefully place your meatballs in the skillet, evenly spaced, to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the meatballs for 1-2 minutes until browned on each side.
- Combine garlic and Worcestershire sauce and add to the browned meatballs.
- Stir in the marinara sauce and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to simmer for 5-10 minutes.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and put the whole skillet in the oven to bake at 360F for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with fresh chopped herbs, and enjoy 🙂
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Prepare your meatballs and sauce ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. If you're planning to make a larger batch, you can even freeze the meatballs for later use.
- Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil while baking to prevent the cheese from burning and to ensure the meatballs cook through evenly.
- Allow the meatball casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
What size baking dish?
Very tasty casserole