Meatballs Parmesan Casserole Recipe

Ever crave a dish that feels like a warm hug? That’s exactly what my Meatballs Parmesan Casserole does. It’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with flavor—basically, comfort food at its best.

I love how easy this recipe is. Juicy meatballs get smothered in rich marinara, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked to perfection. It’s a simple dish, but oh boy, it tastes like something straight from an Italian restaurant.

The best part? It’s a total crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this casserole always hits the spot. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers—if you’re lucky enough to have any.

Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy and Comforting: Layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan create the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Homemade Meatballs: Juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh ingredients, these meatballs make the dish extra special.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients come together quickly, and the oven does most of the work.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the meatballs in advance and assemble the casserole when ready to bake.
• Great for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it a meal-prep favorite.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 5 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes 6 generous servings. If you need to feed a crowd, simply double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish.

Difficulty Level

Easy enough for beginners, but with a taste that rivals restaurant-quality Italian food.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dish smoothly, gather these essential kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining ingredients and mixing meatballs.
• Baking Dish (9×13-inch) – The perfect size for layering the casserole.
• Large Skillet or Frying Pan – To brown the meatballs before baking.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon – Helps turn the meatballs while cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For precise ingredient portions.
• Grater – To freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Whisk or Fork – For beating the egg before mixing into the meatball mixture.

Ingredients for Meatballs Parmesan Casserole

This recipe uses fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best taste and texture.

For the Meatballs:

• 1/2 cup white bread, torn into small pieces
• 1/3 cup cold milk (or water)
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying the meatballs)

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Fresh basil leaves (for garnish, optional)

How to Make Meatballs Parmesan Casserole (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Step 1: Prepare the Meatball Mixture

1. Soften the Bread:
   • In a small bowl, combine the torn white bread and cold milk (or water).
   • Let it sit for 5 minutes until the bread absorbs the liquid and softens.
   • Mash it with a fork until it forms a soft paste (this helps keep the meatballs tender).
2. Mix the Meatballs:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, softened bread mixture, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
   • Using clean hands, gently mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
3. Shape the Meatballs:
   • Roll the meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls (about the size of a golf ball).
   • Place them on a plate or tray while you prepare for cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

1. Heat the Pan:
   • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).
2. Brown the Meatballs:
   • Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
   • Turn them gently with tongs or a slotted spoon to avoid breaking them apart.
3. Drain Excess Oil:
   • Once all the meatballs are browned (but not fully cooked inside), transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
4. Preheat the Oven:
   • While the meatballs rest, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking the casserole.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:
   • Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Layer the Sauce and Meatballs:
   • Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of the dish.
   • Arrange the browned meatballs over the sauce in a single layer.
3. Add More Sauce and Cheese:
   • Pour the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure each one is coated.
   • Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
   • Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 20 minutes.
   • This allows the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
2. Remove the Foil and Add More Cheese:
   • After 20 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
   • Add 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano for extra seasoning.
3. Bake Until Bubbly:
   • Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
4. Let it Rest:
   • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
   • This allows the cheese to set and makes it easier to scoop.

How to Serve Meatballs Parmesan Casserole

This cheesy casserole pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Over Pasta: Spoon the meatballs and sauce over spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce.
• Alongside a Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing balances the richness of the dish.
• In a Sub Sandwich: Make a meatball Parmesan sub by placing meatballs and cheese inside a toasted hoagie roll.
• As-Is: Enjoy it straight from the baking dish for a low-carb, protein-packed meal.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze the baked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
• For individual portions, place meatballs and sauce in freezer-safe bags for easy reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover the casserole with foil and reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of marinara if needed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

✔ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese gives the best texture.

✔ Don’t Overmix the Meatballs – Gently mix the ingredients to keep them tender and juicy.

✔ Sear the Meatballs Well – Browning adds depth of flavor before baking.

✔ Let It Rest Before Serving – This helps the cheese and sauce set, making it easier to serve.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	410
Protein	30g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	11g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	4g
Sodium	780mg

(Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)

Meatballs Parmesan Casserole FAQs

Q: Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and cook the meatballs a day in advance, store them in the fridge, and assemble the casserole when ready to bake.

Q: Can I use store-bought frozen meatballs?
Absolutely! If using frozen meatballs, thaw them first for the best results. Skip the browning step and go straight to assembling the casserole.

Q: What’s the best marinara sauce for this recipe?
A homemade sauce is great, but a good-quality store-bought marinara works just as well. Look for one with minimal added sugar and clean ingredients.

Q: How do I make this recipe low-carb?
To make this dish low-carb, skip the bread in the meatballs and use almond flour instead. Serve with zoodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Conclusion

Meatballs Parmesan Casserole is a warm, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s simple to make yet full of bold Italian flavors. Whether you serve it with pasta, garlic bread, or as a sub sandwich, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Make it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option, or a gathering with family and friends. Enjoy every cheesy, saucy bite!