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In a world where time is often scarce, cooking a meal that brings the family together can be one of the most rewarding experiences. Enter the Cheesy Meatball Casserole, a dish that not only warms the heart but also fills the belly. This recipe combines tender meatballs, rich marinara sauce, and a heavenly blend of cheeses, making it a perfect choice for family dinners, potlucks, or simply cozy nights at home. In this article, we’ll walk you through the details of this delightful dish, ensuring that you can create a comforting meal filled with love and flavor.

Family Love: Cheesy Meatball Casserole

Looking for an easy weeknight dinner that brings everyone together? This Cheesy Meatball Casserole is your answer! With tender meatballs, rich marinara, and gooey cheese, it's the ultimate comfort food for family meals or holiday brunches. Quick to prepare and utterly satisfying, it's sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Try it tonight for a cozy gathering or save this recipe for your next potluck feast!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound ground beef

1 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 large egg

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

    Make the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Shape the mixture into meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).

      Brown the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.

        Assemble the Casserole: In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom. Place the browned meatballs evenly over the sauce. Spoon the ricotta cheese over the meatballs, then top with the remaining marinara sauce.

          Add the Cheese: Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the casserole, covering it completely.

            Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

              Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the delicious cheesy goodness!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 45 minutes | 6-8 servings