Description
This Meatballs Parmesan Casserole is a comforting Italian-American classic featuring tender, flavorful meatballs made from a mix of ground beef and pork. Simmered in rich marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this hearty baked dish is perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 3 slices white bread, crusts removed, diced
- 1/2 cup cold milk (or water), plus more if needed
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
- 1 pound ground pork
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Oil for frying (extra light olive oil recommended)
Casserole
- 3 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought
- 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (remaining half)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare meatballs: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Soak the diced white bread in cold milk for 5 minutes until softened. Mash the soaked bread well to remove excess moisture.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bread, ground beef, ground pork, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to keep the meatballs tender.
- Shape and brown: Form the meat mixture into golf-ball-sized meatballs. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of extra light olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 8 minutes per batch to develop a nice crust.
- Assemble casserole: Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Arrange the browned meatballs over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, then sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot as a comforting and satisfying main course.
Notes
- Soaking the bread in milk helps keep the meatballs tender and moist.
- Using a mix of ground beef and pork adds flavor and richness.
- Browning meatballs before baking enhances texture and flavor.
- You can use store-bought marinara sauce for convenience or homemade for a fresher taste.
- Ensure the casserole is covered with foil while baking to keep meatballs moist.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bread with gluten-free bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven.
