Casseroles > Meat

Monte's Meatball Casserole Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
3. Roll mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
4. In a large skillet, brown meatballs over medium-high heat until cooked through.
5. Pour marinara sauce into the bottom of the baking dish.
6. Add meatballs to the baking dish, arranging them evenly.
7. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the meatballs.
8. Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 6 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or ground pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with provolone cheese or cheddar cheese.

Variations:
- Add chopped bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the meatball mixture for added flavor.
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier version.
- Add cooked pasta to the casserole for a heartier meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to brown the meatballs before baking to ensure they are cooked through.
- Use a cookie scoop to make evenly sized meatballs.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve on a bed of cooked pasta or with garlic bread on the side.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil.

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Caesar salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the meatballs are not cooked through after baking, return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the meatballs to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure they are safe to eat.

Food history:
- Meatball casseroles have been a popular comfort food in Italian-American households for generations.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and tomatoey.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Rich, Hearty, Umami