Savory Sensation: Irresistible Meatball Casserole – A Wholesome Feast That Warms the Soul! 🍲🍝🍅
Description: Prepare to delight your taste buds and satisfy your hunger with our mouthwatering Meatball Casserole, a comforting culinary creation that promises to become a family favorite. Imagine tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a bed of rich tomato sauce, topped with a blanket of gooey melted cheese that bubbles to perfection in the oven. Each bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, where the hearty goodness of meatballs meets the creamy indulgence of cheese, creating a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Whether served as a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, our Meatball Casserole is sure to warm your heart and leave you longing for seconds. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food with a twist – it’s time to dive into our Meatball Casserole and embark on a culinary journey like no other! 🍲🍝🧀
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey, for meatballs 🥩
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 🍞
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1 egg, beaten 🥚
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
- 1 teaspoon onion powder 🧅
- Salt and black pepper to taste 🧂🌶️
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti) 🍝
- 2 cups marinara sauce, homemade or store-bought 🍅
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish 🌿
Price Estimate:
- Ground beef or turkey: $5.00
- Breadcrumbs: $2.00
- Parmesan cheese: $3.00
- Egg: $1.00
- Cooked pasta: $2.00
- Marinara sauce: $3.00
- Mozzarella cheese: $4.00
- Fresh parsley: $2.00
Total Estimated Cost: $22.00
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Roll the meat mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter, and place them in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly browned.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and drain any excess grease.
- Spread the cooked pasta evenly over the meatballs in the baking dish.
- Pour the marinara sauce over the pasta and meatballs, ensuring that everything is evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our Meatball Casserole, where tender meatballs, savory sauce, and melted cheese combine to create a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy! 🍲🍝🧀
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making them from scratch?
- Absolutely! Feel free to use frozen meatballs to save time. Just make sure to thaw them before baking.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
- Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
- Of course! Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition.
