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Crispy Meatball Casserole Recipe with Easy Cheesy Tomato Sauce

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A comforting casserole featuring crispy seared meatballs baked in a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce. Perfect for family dinners and quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor and juiciness)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned preferred)
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) crushed tomatoes (canned San Marzano if possible)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) cottage cheese (small-curd)
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional garnish: Fresh basil leaves, Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1 1/2-inch balls, about 16 meatballs. Place on a plate or tray.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add meatballs in batches without crowding and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.
  4. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in crushed tomatoes, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer gently for 10 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pour a thin layer of sauce into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange meatballs evenly over sauce and pour remaining sauce over meatballs.
  8. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until sauce is bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the skillet when searing meatballs to ensure crispiness. Let meatballs rest at room temperature before cooking. If sauce is too thick before baking, stir in a splash of water or broth. For extra crispy meatballs, broil casserole for last 2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: meatball casserole, crispy meatballs, cheesy tomato sauce, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-meatball-casserole-recipe-with-easy-cheesy-tomato-sauce/