Comfort Food Meatball Casserole

Name: Comfort Food Meatball Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 cup breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 egg; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups marinara sauce; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Highlighted under: Home Planning

I love making this Comfort Food Meatball Casserole because it brings back such warm memories of family dinners. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a hearty dish that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. Using high-quality ingredients like tender ground beef and savory herbs elevates the taste, while the gooey melted cheese on top creates an irresistible crust. Whether it's a cozy night in or a gathering with friends, this casserole is sure to impress and bring everyone together at the table.

Created by

Portia Langford

Last updated on 2026-02-01T21:25:36.966Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple yet satisfying it was. I used a blend of ground meats to make the meatballs and added fresh herbs right from my garden, which made a huge difference in flavor. The secret is in the simmering sauce that embraces each meatball, ensuring they’re infused with deliciousness.

One important tip I discovered is to allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This step not only helps the layers set but also makes serving much easier. Trust me, your guests will be reaching for seconds!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Hearty, savory flavors that comfort your soul
Cheesy, melty topping that creates the perfect finish
Easily customizable with your favorite herbs and spices

Mastering the Meatball Technique

When mixing the meatball ingredients, it’s crucial to avoid overworking the mixture. Overmixing can lead to dense meatballs; aim for a light hand to keep them tender. Combining ground beef and Italian sausage provides the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. The sausage adds a delightful spice, enhancing the overall profile while the beef ensures a sturdy texture. I always use a mix for optimal taste in comfort dishes like this casserole.

For shaping your meatballs, use a small cookie scoop for uniform size, which promotes even cooking. If you find the mixture too sticky, moisten your hands with a little olive oil to make forming them easier. Once cooked, they should be golden-brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Test one by cutting it in half; it should be slightly pink in the center due to the timing of the baking process.

Layering for Flavor

The layering of sauce and cheese is integral to the casserole's overall success. When you first add half of the marinara sauce to the bottom of the dish, it serves to keep the meatballs moist during baking, preventing them from drying out. This layer also enhances flavor absorption, allowing the meatballs to soak up that delicious tomato essence as they cook.

When adding cheese, don’t be shy! Ensure the mozzarella is evenly distributed across the top; this creates a beautifully gooey and crisp crust when baked. For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes on top of the cheese before baking. It not only adds an aromatic touch but also a hint of heat that complements the meatballs wonderfully.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to ensure a successful meatball casserole:

Casserole Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 pound Italian sausage
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to start assembling the delicious casserole!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Comfort Food Meatball Casserole:

Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully incorporated. Form the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

Brown the Meatballs

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once browned, remove from the skillet and set aside.

Build the Casserole

In a greased baking dish, spread half of the marinara sauce. Place the browned meatballs evenly on top, then pour the remaining marinara sauce over them. Finally, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly across the top.

Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting meal!

Now that your casserole is ready, prepare to dig into this deliciously satisfying dish.

Pro Tips

Experiment with adding different vegetables to the sauce, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, for extra flavor and nutrition.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

If you want to prepare this dish in advance, you can assemble the casserole and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, and you’ll have a quick meal ready to pop in the oven after a busy day. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the bake time if it’s coming directly from the cold fridge.

For longer storage, this meatball casserole freezes wonderfully. After assembling, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake at 375°F (190°C) until heated through, about 35-40 minutes. This approach maintains that delicious cheesy top while ensuring the meatballs stay moist.

Serving Suggestions

This Comfort Food Meatball Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. The salad adds a refreshing crunch to balance the hearty flavors, while garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate. You might also want to serve it with a light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for an additional layer of flavor and freshness.

Another idea is to turn the leftovers into lunch by slicing the casserole into portions and layering it on a toasted hoagie roll. Add some extra marinara and a few slices of provolone cheese, then pop it under the broiler for a few minutes for a decadent meatball sub you won’t forget. Repurposing leftovers keeps your meal interesting without extra effort.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meatballs in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.

→ What type of cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?

You can substitute with provolone or gouda for a different flavor profile.

→ Can this casserole be frozen?

Absolutely! Cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

→ How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.