A comforting classic, this Meatballs Parmesan Casserole combines juicy, flavorful meatballs with marinara sauce, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this hearty dish is a delightful twist on the traditional meatball and spaghetti dinner. The meatballs are made with a combination of lean ground beef and ground pork, seasoned to perfection with garlic, parsley, and Parmesan cheese, and baked in a rich marinara sauce. Topped with gooey mozzarella, it’s a meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

3 slices white bread, crusts removed, diced
1/2 cup cold milk (or water), plus more if needed
1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
1 lb ground pork (80/20)
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
1 large egg
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp parsley, finely chopped (plus more to garnish)
1 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Oil for frying (extra light olive oil works well)

For the Casserole:

3 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 6 oz)

Instructions

Prepare the Bread and Meatball Mixture:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F with the rack in the center. In a large mixing bowl, place the diced bread and pour cold milk or water over it. Let the bread soak for about 5 minutes, then mash with a fork.
- Add the ground beef, ground pork, half of the Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper to the bread mixture. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. The mixture should be moist. If it feels too dry, add a bit more milk.
Shape and Brown the Meatballs:
- Wet your hands and portion the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs (about 2 tbsp each). If you prefer, use a scoop to make this easier.
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches, turning them every 2 minutes to get a golden sear on all sides. Each batch will take about 8 minutes. The meatballs don’t need to be fully cooked yet—just browned on the outside.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole:
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into a 9×13 casserole dish. Arrange the browned meatballs in a single layer over the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs.
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food at its Best: This casserole is everything you love about Italian meatballs, topped with melty cheese and baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. It’s the perfect family meal!
Simple and Flavorful: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe packs incredible flavor, making it easy to create a satisfying dish everyone will rave about.
Great for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats wonderfully, making it an ideal choice for meal prep or feeding a crowd.

Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

For a Healthier Option: Swap the ground pork for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meatball. You can also use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of white bread.
Add More Veggies: Try adding zucchini or bell peppers to the marinara sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: Mix in some provolone or Parmesan for a richer flavor profile.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the meatballs and sauce a day in advance and bake them just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use pre-made meatballs? Yes, you can substitute store-bought meatballs, but homemade ones add extra flavor.
How do I know when the meatballs are fully cooked? Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meatballs reach 165°F internally. The cheese should also be melted and bubbly.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes! It freezes well for up to 3 months. Just assemble and cover tightly with foil before freezing.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve with a Side Salad: A green salad with balsamic dressing pairs wonderfully with this casserole.
Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious marinara sauce.
Pasta Side: If you’re craving carbs, serve the casserole with spaghetti or penne.

Enjoy this meatballs Parmesan casserole as a comforting weeknight dinner or serve it at your next family gathering for a crowd-pleasing dish.