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When it comes to comfort food, casseroles hold a special place in the hearts of many. These versatile dishes are often associated with warmth, family gatherings, and satisfying meals that bring people together around the dinner table. Casseroles are not just about convenience; they are a canvas for creativity, combining various ingredients to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Among the myriad of casserole recipes available, the Heavenly Meatball Marinara Casserole stands out as a family-friendly favorite that delights both kids and adults alike.

Classic Meatball Marinara Casserole

Create a memorable family meal with this Heavenly Meatball Marinara Casserole recipe! Combining savory meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, it's a heartwarming dish that appeals to all ages. Learn how to craft the perfect meatballs and create a flavorful homemade marinara sauce from scratch. Layer everything with pasta for an irresistible, comforting casserole that will become a family favorite. Enjoy this delicious Italian-American classic at your next gathering!
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Ingredients
  

For the meatballs:

1 lb ground beef

1/2 lb ground pork

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian seasoned)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 large egg

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

For the marinara sauce:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 tsp sugar

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

For the casserole:

12 oz cooked pasta (penne or rotini works best)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for layering)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Make the Meatballs: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, minced garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. Form into 1-inch meatballs and set aside.

      Cook the Meatballs: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches, cooking until browned on all sides (about 5-7 minutes). Remove and set aside.

        Prepare the Marinara Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors.

          Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, marinara sauce, cooked meatballs, and half the mozzarella cheese. Toss everything together until well coated.

            Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches). Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top and garnish with chopped basil.

              Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

                Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra basil if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 6-8 servings