Ingredients
For the meatballs (or use frozen pre-cooked)
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or mix beef/pork)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
For the casserole
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup shredded provolone (optional)
Extra Parmesan for topping
Fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Make the meatballs (skip if using frozen)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Roll into meatballs (about golf-ball size).
- Bake on a parchment-lined sheet for 15–20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Assemble the casserole
- Lower oven temp to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of marinara on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place the cooked (or thawed frozen) meatballs in the dish.
- Pour all remaining marinara over the meatballs.
- Top with mozzarella and provolone, spreading evenly.
- Bake
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned like in the photo.
- Serve
Great with:
pasta
garlic bread
sautéed veggies
over a toasted sub roll
If you’d like, I can also give you a low-carb version, spicy version, or meal-prep instructions!