Baked Meatball Casserole

Baked Meatball Casserole

Ingredients:

**For the Meatballs:**
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste

**For the Casserole:**
– 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
– Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. **Preheat the Oven:**
– Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Make the Meatballs:**
– In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
– Shape the mixture into meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.

3. **Bake the Meatballs:**
– Place the meatballs in a single layer in a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until they start to brown.

4. **Assemble the Casserole:**
– Pour the marinara sauce over the baked meatballs. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
– Sprinkle dried oregano or Italian seasoning over the cheese for added flavor.

5. **Bake the Casserole:**
– Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. **Garnish and Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired.

7. **Serving Suggestions:**
– Serve the baked meatball casserole with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Enjoy your hearty and cheesy meatball casserole!