Parmesan Casserole with Meatballs and Mozzarella Recipe

Introduction

This Parmesan Casserole is a comforting dish featuring juicy meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner that comes together quickly yet feels special.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces 85/15 ground beef
• 16 ounces ground Italian sausage
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 14 ounces pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well and form the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Step 3: Heat a small amount of oil in a frying pan over high heat. Sear the meatballs on several sides until browned. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same pan, add the tomato paste and cook for about 10 seconds to enhance its flavor. Then stir in the pizza sauce and additional Parmesan cheese, mixing well.
5. Step 5: Return the seared meatballs to the pan and gently mix them with the sauce to coat evenly.
6. Step 6: Transfer the meatballs and sauce to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
7. Step 7: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of regular. You can also add chopped fresh basil or oregano to the sauce for extra herbiness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and sear the meatballs a day ahead. Store them in the refrigerator, then proceed with the sauce and baking steps when ready to serve.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Provolone, cheddar, or a blend of Italian cheeses can also work well if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

Parmesan Casserole with Meatballs and Mozzarella Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 64 reviews

This Parmesan Casserole combines savory Italian-style meatballs with a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese baked to perfection. Ground beef and Italian sausage meatballs are seared then simmered in a flavorful tomato and Parmesan sauce before being baked with a cheesy topping for a hearty, comforting meal.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meatballs

• 16 ounces 85/15 ground beef
• 16 ounces ground Italian sausage
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Sauce and Topping

• 14 ounces pizza sauce
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
2. Prepare Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, Italian sausage, eggs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly then shape the mixture into golf ball-sized meatballs.
3. Sear Meatballs: Heat some oil in a frying pan over high heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on a couple of sides until browned. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.
4. Make Sauce: In the same pan, add the tomato paste and cook for about 10 seconds to deepen the flavor. Then add the pizza sauce and Parmesan cheese, stirring to combine well.
5. Simmer Meatballs in Sauce: Return the seared meatballs to the pan and stir gently to coat them evenly with the sauce.
6. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the meatballs along with the sauce into a baking dish. Spread evenly, and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned on top.

Notes

• Use 85/15 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture.
• You can use store-bought pizza sauce or homemade for the sauce base.
• For extra flavor, add Italian seasoning or fresh herbs to the meatball mixture if desired.
• Make sure to brown the meatballs well; this helps seal in juices and adds depth to the flavor.
• Serve hot as a main dish with pasta, garlic bread, or a green salad.

Keywords: Parmesan casserole, meatballs, Italian sausage, baked meatballs, tomato sauce casserole, mozzarella cheese casserole