This Meatballs Parmesan Casserole is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of homemade meatballs, marinara sauce, and gooey melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or for entertaining guests, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. The meatballs are tender and flavorful, made with a combination of ground beef and pork, and simmered in a savory marinara sauce before being topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. This dish combines the best of meatball subs and lasagna in one easy casserole, making it a go-to comfort food recipe.

What makes this casserole so irresistible is the combination of the crispy, pan-fried meatballs with the creamy cheese and the rich tomato sauce. The meatballs are made from scratch, giving you complete control over the seasoning and flavor. You’ll love how the Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, savory depth to the meatballs, and how the mozzarella creates a melty, cheesy layer on top. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or preparing for a potluck, this Meatballs Parmesan Casserole will never disappoint.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Meatballs Parmesan Casserole is packed with flavor and texture in every bite. The meatballs are juicy and well-seasoned, with a crispy exterior that holds up beautifully when baked with marinara sauce and cheese. The cheese-to-sauce ratio is perfect, with just enough mozzarella to create a cheesy crust and enough marinara to keep the meatballs moist and flavorful. The combination of ground beef and pork adds a richness and depth to the meatballs, making them extra juicy and satisfying. Best of all, this dish is easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, saving you time and effort in the kitchen while still delivering a hearty, comforting meal.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

White bread (crusts removed, diced)
Cold milk (or water)
Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
Ground pork
Finely grated Parmesan cheese
Large egg
Garlic (minced)
Parsley (finely chopped)
Fine sea salt
Freshly cracked black pepper
Oil for frying (extra light olive oil recommended)

For the Casserole:

Marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

This Meatballs Parmesan Casserole is easily customizable to fit different dietary preferences or flavor profiles. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add Vegetables: You can sneak in some vegetables into the casserole by adding sautéed spinach, bell peppers, or onions to the marinara sauce or mixing them into the meatballs for extra flavor and nutrition.
Cheese Variations: If you love cheese, try adding provolone, cheddar, or even ricotta cheese to the casserole along with the mozzarella for a more indulgent dish.
Meat Variations: Swap out the ground beef and pork for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of the meatballs. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular bread to make the meatballs gluten-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the meatball mixture

In a medium bowl, soak the diced white bread in cold milk (or water) for about 5 minutes. Once softened, squeeze out any excess liquid. Add the ground beef, ground pork, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to combine everything thoroughly until evenly mixed.

Step 2: Form and fry the meatballs

Using your hands, shape the meat mixture into small meatballs, about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meatballs in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the meatballs for about 4-5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Prepare the casserole dish

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spread 1 cup of marinara sauce to cover the bottom. Arrange the fried meatballs in a single layer over the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the casserole

Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the meatballs, making sure they are well coated. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the meatballs. Then, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the mozzarella.

Step 5: Bake the casserole

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the sauce is simmering. If you prefer a golden, bubbly top, you can broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

Step 6: Garnish and serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve the casserole warm with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Frying the meatballs: Frying the meatballs helps create a crispy exterior and locks in the flavor. Be sure to fry them in batches so they cook evenly and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Moisture in the meatballs: If the meatball mixture feels too dry, you can add a little more milk to ensure they are moist and tender.
Oven temperature: Keep a close eye on the casserole as it bakes. The cheese should be bubbly and slightly golden but not overcooked.
Meal prep: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover the dish with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.

How to Serve

This Meatballs Parmesan Casserole can be served as a main dish with a variety of sides:

Garlic Bread: A crusty, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the delicious marinara sauce.
Green Salad: Serve with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
Pasta: Pair it with spaghetti or any pasta of your choice to create a classic meatball and pasta meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or broccoli make a great side to add some color and nutrients to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is hot and bubbly.

Reheating

To reheat refrigerated leftovers, simply microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven for a few minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought meatballs instead of making my own?

Yes, you can use store-bought meatballs if you’re short on time. However, homemade meatballs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.

2. Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the meatballs a day ahead, refrigerate them, and then fry them the next day before assembling the casserole.

3. Can I make this casserole without frying the meatballs?

Yes, you can skip frying the meatballs and bake them directly in the casserole dish with the sauce. While the texture may be slightly different, it’s a quicker option.

4. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use provolone, mozzarella di bufala, or even a mix of cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a unique twist.

5. How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. The sauce should be simmering around the edges.

6. Can I make this casserole in a smaller dish?

Yes, you can adjust the recipe for a smaller dish. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time accordingly.

7. Can I use frozen meatballs for this recipe?

Frozen meatballs can be used, but it’s best to thaw and heat them before adding them to the casserole to ensure even cooking.

8. How can I make this casserole spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle some into the meatball mixture for a bit of heat.

9. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef and pork?

Yes, ground turkey can be used as a leaner alternative, but the meatballs may not be as rich in flavor.

10. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger casserole dish. Just be sure to adjust the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Conclusion

This Meatballs Parmesan Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, with tender, flavorful meatballs covered in marinara sauce and melted cheese. The combination of ground beef and pork gives the meatballs the perfect texture and taste, while the cheese and sauce elevate the dish to pure indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for a party, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Simple to make and packed with flavor, it’s a meal you’ll return to time and time again.