Nothing is as rich, delicious, and hearty! My husband and I can finish the entire thing is one sitting!
Welcome to the world of culinary delight where Meatball Parmesan Casserole takes center stage. This article unveils a comprehensive guide to crafting this mouthwatering dish that combines the richness of ground beef, the crunch of breadcrumbs, and the cheesy allure of Parmesan. Dive into the details and discover how to create a flavorful masterpiece that will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Ingredients:
Ingredients | Quantities |
---|---|
Ground Beef | 1 pound |
Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Large Egg | 1 |
Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup |
Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
Italian Seasoning | 2 teaspoons |
Salt | To taste |
Pepper | To taste |
Marinara Sauce (about 24 ounces) | 1 jar |
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 2 cups |
Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Fresh Basil (optional, for garnish) | As desired |
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: Prepare the Meatball Mixture
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- In a large bowl, combine 1 pound of ground beef, 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 large egg, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the ingredients until well incorporated.
Step 3: Form Meatballs
- Form small meatballs out of the mixture, making about 16 to 20 meatballs.
Step 4: Brown the Meatballs
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, taking about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Remove the browned meatballs from the pan.
Step 5: Prepare the Casserole
- Pour a thin layer of marinara sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the browned meatballs on top of the sauce in the dish.
Step 6: Layer with Marinara and Cheese
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well covered.
- Sprinkle 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the meatballs and sauce.
Step 7: Top with Parmesan and Bake
- Top with an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden on top.
Step 8: Optional Garnish
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil before serving for a touch of color and freshness.