Description
Hearty Sicilian meatball casserole brings rustic Italian comfort directly to dinner tables. Savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef or pork
- 1 pound (454 grams) cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Meatball Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Seasoning and Garnish:
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh basil (optional)
Additional:
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix ground beef with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well combined.
- Form the meat mixture into compact, bite-sized meatballs, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Arrange meatballs on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Meanwhile, prepare pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Create the first layer in the baking dish by spreading half of the cooked pasta across the bottom.
- Distribute half of the marinara sauce evenly over the pasta, ensuring complete coverage.
- Arrange half of the roasted meatballs on top of the sauce layer.
- Sprinkle half of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the meatballs.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining pasta, sauce, meatballs, and cheese.
- Transfer the casserole to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving hot.
Notes
- Customize meatball size to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Drain excess fat from baked meatballs to prevent a greasy dish and maintain a lighter meal.
- Use lean ground beef or mix with ground turkey for a healthier protein option that reduces overall calorie content.
- Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help cheese set and make serving easier without falling apart.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 374 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 538 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg