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Comfort food holds a special place in our hearts and homes, evoking warm memories of family gatherings, cozy nights in, and the sheer joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. One dish that perfectly embodies the essence of comfort food is the Savory Meatball Casserole Delight. This hearty casserole combines the nostalgia of homemade meals with the convenience of a one-pan recipe, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive family dinners.

Meatball Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Savory Meatball Casserole Delight recipe! This hearty, one-pan meal brings together delicious meatballs, creamy cheeses, and fresh vegetables, creating a cozy dish perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights. Customize it with beef, turkey, or even vegetarian options to suit your taste. With easy preparation and mouthwatering layers, this casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite for everyone at the table. Enjoy the warmth and joy of shared meals!
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Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

1 egg, beaten

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the Casserole:

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1 cup ricotta cheese

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup sliced black olives (optional)

1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)

1/2 cup chopped onion

Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

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

    Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, beaten egg, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and shape into 1.5-inch meatballs.

      Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Brown the meatballs on all sides (approximately 5-7 minutes). They don’t need to be fully cooked as they will finish cooking in the oven.

        Assemble the Casserole: In a large baking dish, pour half of the marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the browned meatballs evenly over the sauce. Spread the ricotta cheese over the meatballs, followed by the remaining marinara sauce. Top with the chopped bell peppers, black olives, and onion.

          Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the entire dish, covering the sauce and meatballs.

            Bake: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

              Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your savory meatball casserole!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 55 minutes | 6 servings